Morning Briefing: May 4, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Sunday, including Singapore's ruling party retaining power with a decisive election win; the Serbian -president cutting a US visit short due to health issue and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying mineral deal with US could unlock $30 billion arms aid and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

TOP STORIES

• Singapore's ruling party retains power with decisive election win

Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) extended its unbroken six-decade rule, clinching a 14th successive election victory, final results showed Sunday, according to media reports.

The PAP, which has ruled since before Singapore's 1965 independence, secured 87 of 97 parliamentary seats up for grabs, while the main opposition Workers' Party (WP) won 10 seats, according to The Strait Times.

The ruling party secured 65.57% of the vote, a commanding swing from a 61.24% share in the last general election.

• Serbian President Vucic cuts US visit short due to health issue

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic abruptly ended his visit to the US and returned to Belgrade after falling ill in the US state of Florida, Serbian officials said Saturday.

His delegation said Vucic began feeling unwell after meeting US congresswoman Claudia Tenney, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Serbian entrepreneurs in the US.

Vucic informed Finance Minister Sinisa Mali and presidential media advisor Suzana Vasiljevic that he was not feeling well and left for Serbia on the first available flight.

• Zelenskyy: US mineral deal could unlock $30B arms aid, protect Ukraine’s sovereignty

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed a new US-Ukraine mineral resources agreement as a “win-win” that could help secure vital air defense systems and deepen strategic ties, following talks with US President Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy said the agreement, which creates a joint investment fund for mineral extraction and processing, opens the Ukrainian market to American investment and offers a long-term economic and security partnership.

“This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides,” he told journalists Saturday in Kyiv.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Fourteen children were arrested in North East England following the death of a 14-year-old boy in a fire in an industrial unit, according to media reports.
• The Israel army said it was sending call-up orders to tens of thousands of reservists to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
• The Sudanese Foreign Ministry accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing a "massacre" against civilians in Al-Nahud in West Kordofan state, resulting in the deaths of 300 victims.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his forces destroyed two Russian warplanes within the last 24 hours using unmanned sea drones near Crimea, reiterating his readiness for a 30-day ceasefire if Russia halts attacks.
• China and Japan accused each other of violating territorial airspace above disputed islets, with Tokyo formalizing its protest by summoning the Chinese envoy and asking that such an incident not occur again.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a meeting of national security advisers from partner countries may still take place in Kyiv, despite recent changes in the US administration.
• Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed his country’s commitment to respecting the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory and its rejection of any Israeli interference in Syrian affairs under any pretext.
• Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi issued a decree appointing Salem bin Buraik as new prime minister, replacing Ahmed bin Mubarak, who announced his resignation earlier in the day.
• Israel carried out three more drone strikes on southern Lebanon, continuing violations of a ceasefire agreement in effect since Nov. 27.
• Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, an American multinational conglomerate holding company, announced plans to retire at the company's 2025 annual shareholders meeting, capping a 55-year tenure.
• Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba said no "common ground" has been reached with the US on tariffs.

SPORTS

• Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli win Asian Champions League

Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli won the Asian Champions League with a 2-0 victory against Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale.

Al Ahli took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute with a goal scored by Brazilian striker Galeno at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie scored his team's second goal in the 42nd minute.

Turkish international Merih Demiral, 27, who started the match, became the first Turkish footballer to reach and win the Asian Champions League final.