Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Russia and Ukraine held their first peace talks in three years, while the UK set plans to tighten immigration rules. The US deepened Gulf ties and eased tariffs with China. Meanwhile, Colombia joined China's Belt and Road.

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Russia and Ukraine hold first peace talks in three years

Russia and Ukraine held their first high-level talks in three years in Istanbul, mediated by Türkiye and the US. While both sides agreed to a major prisoner swap, they remain deeply divided over conditions for a ceasefire. The meeting followed President Putin’s call for talks “without preconditions”, though his absence and the arrival of a lower-level Russian delegation prompted President Zelenskyy to question Moscow’s commitment. 

Discussions centred on three issues: the prisoner exchange, a potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, and ceasefire terms. Ukrainian officials stated that Russia’s proposal included a demand for Ukrainian withdrawal from four contested eastern regions—terms Kyiv firmly rejected. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan described the talks as “critically important”. On Saturday (May 17), President Trump announced plans to speak with both leaders to help end the conflict.

Saudi, Qatari and UAE deals boost US–Gulf economic ties

President Trump began a four-day Gulf tour on Tuesday (May. 13), securing major investment deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia committed $600 billion across sectors including energy and defence, featuring a $142 billion arms deal. In Qatar, agreements totalling $243.5 billion were confirmed. These include aircraft purchases, gas partnerships, and defence cooperation. The White House said the agreements will “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion”.

In the UAE, Trump announced over $200 billion in commercial deals, including AI and aerospace investments. The UAE also pledged $1.4 trillion in future US investments and agreed to align security regulations with US standards. The visit marks a significant boost in Gulf–US economic and strategic ties.

Syria’s path to recovery sees sanctions eased and investments flow

During a visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump announced plans to lift US sanctions on Syria and explore restoring diplomatic ties. The US will issue temporary waivers under the Caesar Act, opening paths for trade, aid, and investment. Trump also requested Syria join the Abraham Accords and manage ISIS detention sites. 

Meanwhile, the UAE’s DP World signed an $800 million deal to develop Syria’s Port of Tartous, signalling renewed foreign interest. In a related development The World Bank announced it will resume operations in Syria after a 14-year pause, following the clearance of Syria’s outstanding debt to the International Development Association (IDA). The $15.5 million repayment was made possible through financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These moves mark a shift toward Syria’s reintegration into the global community. 

US and China agree to roll back tariffs in major trade breakthrough

The US and China agreed to sharply reduce tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days starting Wednesday (May. 14), following high-level talks in Geneva. US tariffs on Chinese imports dropped from 145% to 30%, while China will cut tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%. Both sides hailed the talks as “substantial progress” and agreed to establish a formal dialogue mechanism, led by senior trade and finance officials. 

The temporary deal aims to ease long-standing trade tensions and was welcomed by financial markets. It forms part of wider efforts to stabilise global trade and reduce the economic uncertainty caused by prolonged tariff disputes.

UK to tighten immigration rules and explore asylum ‘returns hubs’

Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to reform the UK’s “broken” immigration system, focusing on control, selectivity, and fairness. Proposals include raising English language requirements for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, and extending the residency requirement for settlement from five to ten years—though fast-track routes will remain for key sectors like healthcare and AI. 

Later in the week Starmer confirmed talks with several countries to host “returns hubs” for individuals whose asylum claims in Britain have been rejected. Unlike the previous Rwanda scheme, these hubs would process only those who have exhausted legal appeals. The strategy aims to reduce irregular migration and legal delays, amid rising small boat arrivals and record-high net migration figures.

Hamas confirms fresh Gaza ceasefire talks as Israel announces new offensive 

Israel and Hamas have resumed talks in Doha, mediated by Qatari and US officials, amid a renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed over 300 people since Thursday (May. 15), according to local reports. Discussions are taking place without preconditions, though Israel has ruled out a ceasefire or lifting its blockade. Talks are reportedly focused on a potential deal involving the release of hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting.

Meanwhile, Israel launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots, striking over 150 targets in Gaza in 24 hours aiming to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of hostages. Israeli forces may expand ground operations, with tanks positioned near the Gaza border and thousands of troops reportedly mobilised.

Libyan ministers resign as protesters call for government to step down

Ministers from Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) have resigned following protests in Tripoli demanding Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah step down. Demonstrations turned violent on Friday (May. 16), with one police officer killed and an attempted arson attack on the prime minister’s office reported.

The unrest follows the killing of militia leader Abdelghani al-Kikli, triggering clashes that left at least eight civilians dead. While Tripoli saw anti-government protests, a parallel rally in Misrata expressed support for Dbeibah. The UN has urged restraint, and Egypt has advised its citizens in Libya to remain indoors. Political instability continues as Libya remains divided between rival administrations, with elections delayed indefinitely since 2021.

PKK to disband, potentially ending decades of conflict in Türkiye

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced plans to dissolve and end its armed campaign, potentially ending a conflict with Türkiye that began in the 1980s and has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The statement followed a PKK congress in northern Iraq, where a message from jailed founder Abdullah Öcalan urged disarmament. The group declared its mission complete, aligning with a broader but undisclosed peace initiative. 

Türkiye’s ruling party welcomed the move as a possible “turning point,” while Kurdish authorities in Iraq called it a step toward stability. Uncertainties remain over disarmament, the fate of fighters, and the stance of PKK-linked groups in Syria.

Colombia joins China’s Belt and Road amid US opposition

Colombia has officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signalling a shift in its foreign and economic policy. The agreement was finalised during President Petro’s visit to Beijing, where both nations pledged deeper cooperation. The BRI has broadened China’s influence in Latin America, with Colombia seeking stronger trade and investment ties amid strained US relations. A key project is Bogotá’s $6 billion metro, led by a Chinese firm. 

The US responded with concern, warning of regional risks and opposing multilateral funding for Chinese state enterprises. Colombia’s move reflects wider regional shifts, as more Latin American countries align with China, intensifying geopolitical competition in infrastructure and trade.

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