As Trump Courts Putin, China’s Leader Xi Emphasizes Close Ties With Russia

China’s leader said his country and Russia were “true friends who have been through thick and thin together” after a video call with President Vladimir V. Putin on Monday, according to Chinese state media. The warm words attributed to Xi Jinping were clearly intended to dampen speculation that the Trump administration might succeed in driving … Read more

Zelensky Pushes Back Against U.S. Mineral Deal and Announces European Summit

President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back on Sunday against demands from the Trump administration for billions in Ukrainian natural resources and for holding peace talks that exclude Ukraine, while announcing plans for a major summit of European leaders on Monday. The Ukrainian leader’s efforts to shore up European support while pressing ahead on negotiations with the … Read more

Amid Regional Diplomatic Furor, Sudan’s Paramilitaries Forge a Rival Government

The Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group fighting Sudan’s military in the country’s calamitous civil war, signed a political charter with its allies late Saturday that aimed to establish a parallel Sudanese government in areas under their control. The paramilitaries said the agreement, which was signed in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, would pave the way … Read more