The Kremlin views a meeting between the US, Ukraine, and European countries in Paris as an opportunity for Steve Witkoff to brief Europeans on Ukraine peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a long conversation with Witkoff last week, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet senior Ukrainian officials in Paris to defend Kiev's position.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/964966-moscow-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-to-brief-europeans-on-ukraine-peace-talksUkrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Andrii Sybiha, and Rustem Umerov, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg in Paris to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks aim to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, deploy a multinational military contingent for security, and develop Ukraine's security architecture. French President Emmanuel Macron is also meeting with the US delegation about crafting a ceasefire.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/17/zelensky-urges-pressure-on-russia-to-end-war-a88763Ukrainian Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko announced progress in talks with the US on an Economic Partnership Agreement and investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, citing collaboration with American negotiators. The agreement has been adjusted by Ukrainian legal staff, and a memorandum of intent has been recorded, with plans to finalize the deal soon.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/world-news/us-ukraine-mineral-deal-is-back-on-to-be-signed-next-week-trump-says/Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia has strengthened trade relations between the two countries, with Malaysian official Fahmi noting that Malaysia is open to business with any country interested in trade. The visit, which took place from April 15-17, marked Xi's first overseas trip this year and his second visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following a 2013 visit that upgraded diplomatic relations between the two nations.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/17/tengku-zafrul-and-amir-hamzah-to-head-to-washington-for-tariff-talksChinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, urging countries to collaborate on industrial innovation and modernization to drive economic growth and progress in the Asia-Pacific region.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332323.shtmlChina and Cambodia signed 37 agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Phnom Penh, covering areas such as water resources and education. The two countries have a significant trade relationship, with China being Cambodia's largest trading partner and source of investment. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, while Hun Manet described their friendship as "iron-clad". The US has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, but China has retaliated with its own tariffs, calling them a "joke".
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/chinas-xi-meets-cambodian-leader-as-part-of-regional-diplomatic-blitz/article_b656b64d-a888-54b7-8e77-892bacae1d14.htmlUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak and ministers Andriy Sybiga and Rustem Umerov met with US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg, in Paris to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks aim to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, deploy a multinational military contingent for security, and develop Ukraine's security architecture. French President Emmanuel Macron is also meeting with Rubio about crafting a ceasefire. Russia dismissed the talks, accusing Kyiv's allies of prolonging the war, as it launched drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro, killing three and wounding over 30.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358183/zelensky-urges-pressure-on-russia-to-end-warAsian powers are seizing the opportunity to reshape the world order as the US retreats from its traditional role. Global South countries, tired of bearing the costs of globalization, are asserting their economic visions. Christine Loh argues that this shift will allow Asian nations to create a more equitable and sustainable global system, one that prioritizes their needs over Western dominance.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306446/time-eu-stop-outsourcing-its-china-policy-us?module=spotlight&pgtype=section#commentsThe US government's actions against international students in the country have sparked controversy, with many arguing that they are being unfairly targeted and terrorized by the Trump administration. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of these students, demanding their legal status be reinstated as they were not involved in any crime or immigration law violation. The lawsuit claims the administration's actions aim to sow chaos and fear among international students who contribute significantly to US academia and economy through their spending.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/aim-is-to-sow-chaos-and-fear-indian-student-sues-trump-administration-over-deportation-threat-13880585.html