ISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Friday with, including the historic election of the first American pope, Ukraine offering to begin peace talks if Russia agrees to a full ceasefire, Port Sudan witnessing a fifth consecutive day of drone strikes amid fighting between the army and RSF, and the EU preparing to launch a WTO case against the US over controversial tariffs.
TOP STORIES
- Robert Prevost becomes first American pope, takes the name Leo XIV
Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, has been elected as the new pope — the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.
He will take the name Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time the name "Leo" has been used by a pope since the 19th century.
The newly elected pontiff appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first words as pontiff.
- Ukraine ready for talks ‘in any format’ if Russia agrees to full ceasefire, Zelenskyy tells Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he informed US President Donald Trump that Kyiv is prepared to begin peace talks “in any format” if Russia demonstrates its willingness by implementing a full, unconditional ceasefire.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said the conversation with Trump included a review of the battlefield situation and an offer to start a 30-day ceasefire immediately.
“We are waiting for Russia to support this proposal,” he said.
He emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to diplomacy.
“I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format. But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said.
- Port Sudan endures fresh drone attack amid fighting between military rivals
The eastern Sudanese city of Port Sudan faced a fresh drone attack for the fifth consecutive day amid raging fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to eyewitnesses, explosions were heard in the city and the Sudanese army's air defenses confronted the attack, which lasted 45 minutes.
The witnesses also said that the drone attack targeted the headquarters of the Air Force College in Port Sudan.
- EU to launch case against US over 'unjustified, harmful tariffs' with WTO
The EU announced that it will launch a case against the US over its so-called “reciprocal" tariffs with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The European Commission said it has launched a public consultation on a list of US imports that may be subject to EU countermeasures if ongoing EU-US negotiations do not result in a mutually beneficial outcome and the removal of US tariffs.
In a statement, the commission noted that the consultation list concerns imports from the US totaling €95 billion ($107.4 billion), which include a wide range of industrial and agricultural products.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- The UN firmly opposed once again Israel's reported aid delivery control plan for Palestinians in Gaza via private US security contractors.
- US President Donald Trump announced that a rare earth deal with Ukraine has concluded.
- India said Pakistan attempted to engage military targets in northern and western parts of the country with drones and missiles, which were “neutralized.”
- At least four Pakistani army personnel were injured in an Indian drone strike in the northeastern city of Lahore, a military spokesman said.
- At least six passengers were killed after a chopper crashed in India’s Uttarakhand state, state media reported.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the upcoming Victory Day parade in the Russian capital Moscow on May 9 as a “parade of cynicism.”
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed off on a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries.
- The Development Road Project, led by Türkiye and Iraq, will make a "significant contribution" to the stability and prosperity of both Iraq and the entire region, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the capital Ankara.
- The UN called for respecting everyone's right to peaceful protests after dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Department of Defense to start removing transgender troops from the military.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- US, UK reach 'breakthrough' trade deal: Trump
President Donald Trump said the US and the UK have reached a "breakthrough" trade deal.
"This morning, I'm thrilled to announce that we have reached a breakthrough trade deal with the United Kingdom," Trump said at the White House.
He said the deal with the UK is the first in a series of agreements on trade that his administration has been negotiating over the past four weeks.
- Bank of England cuts interest rate to 4.25%, signals trade uncertainty risks
The Bank of England (BoE) lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%, in line with market expectations.
It marks the central bank’s fourth rate cut since last August and brings the policy rate to its lowest level since May 2023.
In a statement, the bank said it expects inflation to rise temporarily to 3.7% this year, driven largely by energy prices, before returning to its 2% target.
SPORTS
- New medical records, emails surface in probe into Diego Maradona’s death
Investigators probing the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona have seized 300 new medical documents and over 500 emails from a clinic where he was treated, according to media reports.
At the request of prosecutors, Buenos Aires provincial police raided the Los Olivos clinic, where Maradona spent his final days in November 2020.
The decision to conduct the early morning operation came after court testimony revealed contradictions between Pablo Dimitroff, the clinic’s medical director, and Fernando Villarejo, head of the intensive care unit.
- Thunder crush Nuggets to even series, Knicks edge Celtics for 2-0 lead
The Oklahoma City Thunder blew past the Denver Nuggets 149-106 to tie their Western Conference semifinal series 1-1 in the NBA playoffs.
Playing at Paycom Center, the Thunder delivered a dominant performance, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 34 points and eight assists. Chet Holmgren added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Williams scored 17 points. Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe each chipped in with 14.
Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets with 19 points, and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic added 17 in the game.
