Trump Offers Putin Ceasefire in Ukraine; US Threatens Iran Strikes; China Increases Russian LNG Imports

US leader says he offered Putin 'a little bit of a ceasefire' in Ukraine. Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said that Putin had informed his US counterpart during a phone call of his willingness to declare a ceasefire for the period of Victory Day celebrations.

US leader says prospect of new strikes on Iran hinges on progress in talks. The deal will not be reached "unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons," Donald Trump says.

Trump says Ukraine is defeated, but illustrates his words with references to Iran. When asked which conflict - in Ukraine or in Iran - will be settled first, Trump said they might be resolved at the same time.

First LNG tanker since start of Iran conflict passes through Strait of Hormuz — agency. According to Bloomberg, the Liberian-flagged tanker Mubaraz loaded a cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s Das Island facility in the UAE.

Russian forces push Ukrainian military 2 km away from border — military expert. According to Andrey Marochko, by developing success in the Kharkov direction, the Russian military is forming a buffer zone at the junction with the Belgorod border area.

China increased Russian LNG imports by 18.2% in 2025. As follows from the General Customs Administration statistics, the price of LNG imports for the reporting period amounted to $4.98 billion, same as in 2024.

Iran decides to end US aggression once and for all — Foreign Ministry. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that the United States has consistently failed to acknowledge the shifts within Iran and the realities on the ground.

US leader describes talk with Russian president as good. He added that, in his view, Putin wants the conflict to be settled, which is a great sign.

Putin, Trump discuss May 9 ceasefire, situation around Iran. The presidents agreed to stay in touch, including personal conversations and talks at the level of aides and envoys.

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties. US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration.

US, Europe still disagree on Ukraine — Trump. We have some disagreements on Ukraine and not having to do with NATO so much as European countries, he told reporters at the White House.

US prepares plan for 'short, powerful' wave of strikes against Iran — news outlet. According to the report, Washington has effectively rejected Tehran's proposed three-stage plan, under which Iran is ready to negotiate with the US.

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV. Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation.

Grossi says IAEA, Russia discuss removal of enriched uranium from Iran — news agency. According to the report, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that this is a complex operation requiring political approval, but he did not reveal any further details.

Trump tells Putin deal to resolve Ukraine conflict is nearing. Yury Ushakov noted that, with regard to the Ukrainian settlement, "the US president stressed the importance of bringing hostilities to an end as soon as possible, as well as his willingness to do everything in his power to facilitate this."

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper. The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe.

Duration of stay on Russian prospective orbital station limited to about 3 years — expert. In Vyacheslav Shurshakov' estimates, typical length of space missions to ROSS would be about 10-11 months.

Hegseth names deterrence of China as Pentagon's second most important task. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in his address to the US House Armed Services Committee that his department's main task is to protect the homeland.

US secretary of war pledges particular US favor to allies who prove themselves. According to Pete Hegseth, US allies are "nations capable of doing far more for themselves than they have."

US says redirected over 40 vessels since beginning of naval blockade of Iran. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper says Tehran cannot sell around 69 million barrels of oil already loaded onboard its tankers due to the blockade.

US leader believes UAE's exit from OPEC, OPEC+ may help lower fuel prices. The Emirati state news agency WAM reported on April 28 that the country had decided to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1 of this year.

Jet fuel prices in March surge more than twofold in March — IATA. This was mostly due to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East.

Putin could speak on Ukraine at news conference after Belarus talks on Thursday — Kremlin. The Russian president is scheduled to take questions jointly with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.

US administration considers option of declaring end to Iran war — Reuters. According to sources cited by the news agency, US intelligence services are analyzing "how Iran would respond" if the US president declares a unilateral victory.

AmCham Russia urges US to allow banks to use dollars for Russia payments. According to Robert Agee, American businesses are counting on anti-Russian sanctions being lifted.

US may use hypersonic weapons against Iran — agency. According to Bloomberg, if the plan comes to fruition, this will be the first time that the US has deployed hypersonic missiles.

What we know about detention of Russian man for plotting terror attacks in Crimea. FSB officers detained a Russian man, who plotted terrorist attacks in Crimea using improvised explosive devices under the direction of Ukraine's special services, the FSB revealed.

US Congress Democrats may sue Trump over operation in Iran — Time. The newspaper reports that under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the US president had 60 days to continue military action without legislative approval, that is, until May 1.