Key takeaways from Trump–Zelenskiy–Europe talks
US President Donald Trump said he has spoken with Vladimir Putin about arranging a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, followed by a trilateral session including himself. The Kremlin called the idea “worthwhile” but gave no commitment, BBC reported.
Trump downplayed the need for a ceasefire before talks, a stance opposed by European leaders, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisting negotiations cannot proceed without one.
Trump also pledged US security guarantees for Ukraine, hinting at military involvement if necessary. Zelenskiy said a $90bn US arms package, including advanced systems and drone cooperation, is being discussed and could be finalized within 10 days.
According to BBC, Zelensky struck a conciliatory tone, while Europeans praised Trump’s mediation but stressed their own security concerns.
Iran raises concerns over US-backed Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Armenia to discuss a planned transport corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, included in a recent US-brokered peace deal. Tehran opposes the project, fearing it could bring American influence near its borders, according to Al Jazeera.
Iranian officials stressed the corridor could shift regional geopolitics and warned they would block it if necessary, with or without Russian support. Russia has cautiously welcomed the deal, urging stability and opposing outside interference. The project follows years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, with Armenia recently returning villages to Azerbaijan.
Intel shares jump as Softbank to buy $2bn stake in chip giant
Intel shares jumped after Japanese investor SoftBank announced a $2bn stake, paying $23 per share, BBC reported.
Reports suggest the Trump administration may also take a roughly 10 percent stake to support a new Ohio manufacturing hub.
The investments highlight efforts to strengthen US chip production, reduce dependence on Asia, and secure the supply chain.
According to BBC, analysts see SoftBank’s move as confidence in Intel’s turnaround, while experts caution about increased government involvement in private firms.
US State Department revokes 6,000 student visas
The US State Department has canceled over 6,000 international student visas, mostly for legal violations such as assault, DUI, burglary, and alleged support for terrorism. About 4,000 were revoked for breaking the law, with 200–300 linked to terrorism under US law, according to BBC.
Part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, the move follows tighter visa screening, including social media checks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said revocations will continue for students deemed disruptive, while Democrats criticized the policy as undermining due process. The US hosts over 1.1m international students, BBC reported.
