Donald Trump has chosen Republican Representative Elise Stefanik to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations, signaling a potential shift in US foreign policy and a potential retreat from global engagement. Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, is expected to advocate for a ‘America First’ agenda, potentially impacting US funding and participation in international organizations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on world leaders to attend an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland to discuss ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy addressed a group of defense officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, expressing disappointment that some countries had yet to confirm their participation. He emphasized the importance of global involvement to ensure Russia’s compliance with any agreements reached. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s willingness to present proposals at the summit and consider other perspectives. He also appealed to Singapore and other regional countries to join the talks in person.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day state visit to China starting May 16th, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss bilateral relations and global issues. The meeting holds significance against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and Western powers. Putin’s visit marks his first foreign trip since assuming his fifth presidential term, while Xi Jinping is facing both internal and external challenges. The meeting is expected to result in the signing of bilateral agreements and a joint statement on key areas of cooperation.
President Joe Biden has criticized his predecessor, Donald Trump, for advocating for a diminished role for the United States on the world stage. Biden emphasized the importance of global leadership and the concern expressed by other heads of state about the potential consequences of an American withdrawal. He also highlighted the success of his campaign, noting the contributions of a large number of small donors and his lead in recent polls.
