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Putin's Russia
Analysis: A relationship you can't afford to miss

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin see a historic opportunity when the world order is being redrawn. This is what Russia expert Alexander Gabuev writes in the Financial Times on the occasion of Xi Jinping's visit to Russia during the Victory Day celebrations.

Gabuev points out, among other things, that US President Donald Trump's foreign policy and the attacks on their own institutions have strengthened the countries' arguments against Western democracy.

Not only is the US the biggest common enemy, they are also extremely important to each other, which has become clear during Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.

China's view is that the US can try to hold the country back militarily and then Russia is needed, among other things, for China's food security, explains SVT's Asia correspondent Tilde Levin.

- This is a relationship you can't afford to miss, she says in an analysis.
 

Tariff crisis  Trump's tariff policy
Trump confirms agreement with Britain: "Great honor"

Donald Trump confirms that the United States has concluded a trade agreement with Britain. On Truth Social, the president writes that "it is a great honor to have Britain as the first announcement". The agreement is the first to be presented since extensive tariffs were imposed in early April.

"The agreement with Britain is a complete and comprehensive agreement that will strengthen the relationship between the United States and Britain for many years to come."

Trump also stated that a press conference will be held in the Oval Office at 4 p.m., Swedish time.

During the night, Trump indicated on Truth Social that the United States had concluded a "comprehensive trade agreement" with a "very respected country". According to information to the New York Times, the agreement specifically concerned Britain.

Experts skeptical of Trump's agreement with the British

What have the UK and the US actually agreed on? Few concrete details are currently known, but Donald Trump himself claims that it is a "full and comprehensive" trade agreement. Experts are more skeptical, writes The Guardian.

Economics professor Jonathan Haskel, with a background from the Bank of England, is one of those who wants to tone down expectations on Thursday.

- It should be remembered that there is a big difference between settlements and formal trade agreements. Settlements are limited, short-term and partial - they only cover a few areas. Trade agreements are broad and long-term, he says.


Russian invasion  Mineral agreement
Ukrainian parliament says yes to the mineral agreement

The Ukrainian parliament has approved the mineral agreement with the United States, several media outlets report.

A total of 338 members voted in favor of the proposal and none against, according to the public service company Suspilne.

The minerals agreement means that Ukraine and the United States will establish a joint investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine. In return, the United States will receive, among other things, priority rights to investments in the extraction of Ukraine's rare earth metals.

Middle East crisis  West Bank
Israel closes UN schools in occupied territory

Israel has closed three schools run under UN auspices in occupied East Jerusalem, AFP reports.

On Thursday morning, heavily armed Israeli soldiers gathered around the schools that provide education to hundreds of students. Over 500 of them were present when the schools were closed.

- It is a traumatic experience for these young people, says Roland Friedrich, head of the UN agency Unrwa in the West Bank.

Israel announced several months ago that the schools' activities would be banned.

The International Court of Justice defines Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem as an illegal occupation.