Morning Briefing: May 26, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday with, including US President Donald Trump saying he is “not happy” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and is considering new sanctions on Russia over its continuous missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, the Israeli army now controlling over 77% of the Gaza Strip according to local authorities, and Russia and Ukraine confirming the third and final round of a large-scale prisoner swap carried out under the terms of an agreement reached in Istanbul earlier this month.

TOP STORIES

• Trump says Putin has ‘gone crazy,’ considers new sanctions on Russia

US President Donald Trump stepped up his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “crazy” and warning that any attempt by him to conquer all of Ukraine “will lead to the downfall of Russia.”

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely crazy!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after telling reporters in New Jersey that he is “not happy” with Russia’s deadly missile barrages targeting Ukrainian cities and is weighing fresh sanctions on Moscow.

“He’s needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever,” he said.

Israeli army controls 77% of Gaza: Media office

• The Israeli army controls over 77% of the Gaza Strip, say local authorities

“Field data and verified analysis indicate that the Israeli occupation forces now effectively control approximately 77% of Gaza’s total geographic area,” Gaza’s Government Media Office said in a statement.

The Israeli army gained control through “direct ground offensives, the deployment of its forces in residential and civilian areas, or preventing Palestinians from accessing their areas, lands and properties via intensified fire, or forced evacuation,” it added.

• Russia, Ukraine confirm 3rd round of prisoner swap involving 303 people from each side

Russia and Ukraine confirmed the third and final round of a large-scale prisoner swap carried out between Moscow and Kyiv under the terms of an agreement reached in Istanbul earlier this month.

A statement by the Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukraine returned 303 of its servicemen in return for 303 Ukrainian soldiers who were returned to Kyiv.

“Currently, Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance,” the statement further said, noting they will return to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that two of its staff members were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Khan Younis in southern Gaza the day before.
• French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Vietnam in the first leg of his Southeast Asia visit, the first one by a French leader in a decade.
• Senior field officers in Israel's internal security service Shin Bet have threatened to resign if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appoints Maj. Gen. David Zini as the agency's next head, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported.
• Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta will recognize the State of Palestine next month.
• The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) suspended all defense and military cooperation with Germany "with immediate effect," a military official announced.
• Ethiopia has confirmed its first mpox cases, involving a 21-day-old infant and the child’s mother in the southern border town of Moyale, health authorities said.
• Malaysia and Vietnam signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in energy, education and regional integration, according to Malaysian media reports.
• Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his delegation in Ankara to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
• Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema renewed calls for Pan-African unity and inclusive development as the continent marked Africa Freedom Day, 62 years after the founding of the Organization of African Unity.
• At least 53,939 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023, the Health Ministry said.
• Texas is on track to becoming the second US state to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use by minors as the state legislature nears the end of its current session, US media reported.
• China and Indonesia signed a string of cooperation agreements in trade, investment, tourism and agricultural products, Chinese media reported.
• The death toll from massive rains that lashed northeastern and southwestern parts of Pakistan has climbed to 19 with more than 90 injured.
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hailed China for its "consistent" support of the Palestinian people and solidarity with developing nations in their struggle against "imperialism, colonialism and apartheid."
• North Korea urged the US to "abandon its military threats against others if it has concerns about its mainland safety," state media reported.

SPORTS

• Fenerbahce Beko wins 2nd Turkish Airlines Euroleague title

Turkish basketball team Fenerbahce Beko won their second Turkish Airlines Euroleague title after beating AS Monaco 81-70.

Fenerbahce fell behind 20-18 in the first quarter to Monaco but recovered in the second quarter to win the first half 35-33.

The second half of the game began fiercely contested, with Monaco briefly regaining the lead, but Fenerbahce led 54-51 entering the final quarter.

• Xabi Alonso appointed as Real Madrid manager on 3-year deal

Real Madrid C.F. confirmed that Xabi Alonso would be their head coach for the next three seasons.

"Xabi Alonso began his coaching career in the Real Madrid academy set-up, taking charge of the Under-12s for the 2018-2019 campaign and winning the league and the Torneo de Campeones," Real Madrid said in a statement.

"He now returns to Real Madrid as one of the greatest coaches in the world after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the league, the cup and the German Super Cup over three seasons," it added.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Trump grants EU tariff extension amid trade negotiations

US President Donald Trump agreed to extend a deadline for the imposition of a 50% tariff on European Union goods until July 9 following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that von der Leyen requested the extension during their conversation and that “talks will begin rapidly.” He described the decision to grant the request as “a privilege.”

Von der Leyen also confirmed the call, saying the EU is ready to move “swiftly and decisively” to advance negotiations.