US Senator Marco Rubio stated that former President Donald Trump wants to maintain his influence in the conflict by negotiating a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as he believes that certain actions can irreparably damage relations with one side. Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, Trump urged an immediate start to negotiations, seeking to preserve his ability to mediate peace talks.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3995206-us-waiting-for-russias-ceasefire-proposals-rubio.htmlEuropean leaders including Britain's David Lammy and France's Jean-Noel Barrot urged US President Donald Trump to join them in imposing new sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached. The EU and UK have already moved ahead with the sanctions, targeting Russia's oil shipping fleet to limit its income. Trump said he was weighing his actions but gave no further detail, stating "we'll see" about Russia after the move.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/eu-britain-go-ahead-with-new-russia-sanctions-without-waiting-for-trump/article69600151.eceThe UAE has agreed with Israel to permit the delivery of emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza, following a meeting between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Abu Dhabi.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/uae-agrees-israel-allow-delivery-urgent-aid-gaza-wam-reportsSheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, has agreed with Israel's Gideon Saar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to allow the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/europe-increases-pressure-on-israel-over-gaza-offensive-209418The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached a deal with Israel to allow the delivery of "urgent humanitarian aid" to the besieged Gaza Strip, where a blockade has sparked food and medicine shortages. The agreement was facilitated by UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The aid will provide essential supplies for approximately 15,000 civilians, including food for bakeries and critical items for infant care. This comes after Israel announced it would allow limited aid in to prevent famine in Gaza, citing "practical and diplomatic reasons".
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/21/uae-secures-deal-with-israel-to-send-vital-aid-amid-gaza-blockade/177614Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, agreed with Israel's Gideon Sa'ar to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, benefiting approximately 15,000 civilians. The aid package includes food supplies, bakery equipment, infant care essentials, and medical items, ensuring continuous support for civilians.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/phone-call-between-abdullah-bin-zayed-israeli-foreign-minister-leads-to-urgent-humanitarian-food-aid-for-civilians-in-gaza-2025-05-21-1.739424The UK has taken action against Israel, suspending free trade talks and imposing sanctions on West Bank settlers, amid mounting international pressure over its military offensive in Gaza. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy vowed "concrete actions" if Israel did not stop its efforts to gain control of the whole of Gaza.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/israel-lets-in-aid-trucks-but-new-rule-means-gaza-yet-to-see-the-food-un-says-20250521-p5m0xs.htmlThe UN has delivered aid to Gaza, including flour, food, baby formula and medical supplies, but faced challenges due to Israeli military restrictions. Despite entering five trucks on Monday, the pace was slowed down when workers were forced to reload supplies onto separate trucks, causing them to run out of time. The UN prioritized baby formula in initial shipments, with dozens more aid trucks arriving via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Tuesday. Israel has allowed around 100 trucks per day, significantly less than the 600 that entered during a previous ceasefire in March.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-says-no-aid-reached-palestinians-despite-new-supplies-entering-gaza/article69599292.eceSouth Sudan's diplomatic relations with the US have been strained since April due to a deportation row, resulting in the revocation of visas and a ban on South Sudanese nationals. The US has significant influence over humanitarian aid programs in South Sudan, providing over $640 million in funding in 2024, according to the US Embassy in South Sudan.
https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-a09612dbd055c5d1d88902c415bdf3e6