International

Trump talks to Zelenski and promises a “negotiation” and the “end of the war” in Ukraine

The former president and Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, Donald Trump, said on Friday that he spoke with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenski, and promised that if he wins the elections next November there will be a “negotiation” between Ukraine and Russia for the “end of the war.”

On his Truth Media account, Trump described the phone call as “very good” and assured that Zelenski congratulated him on his recent nomination as a Republican candidate, who condemned the assassination attempt he suffered at a rally last Saturday and who highlighted the “spirit of unity” of the Americans.

“I appreciate that President Zelenski communicates (with me) because I, as the next president of the United States, will bring peace to the world and put an end to the war that has cost so many lives and devastated countless innocent families,” Trump said about the war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

“Both parties will be able to get together and negotiate a pact that ends with violence and paves a way forward to prosperity,” the former president promised.

This has been the first conversation between the two political leaders since Trump left the White House in 2021 and it is also his first contact after the former president accepted his nomination as a presidential candidate at the Republican National Convention (CNR) on Thursday.

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Zelenski, for his part, indicated in his X account that in the call with Trump he pointed out the “vital” support of both parties and both legislative chambers in the United States, and expressed his gratitude for the country’s help aimed at improving its capacities to “resist Russian terrorism.”

“We have agreed with President Trump to discuss in a personal meeting what steps can lead to a just and truly lasting peace,” the Ukrainian president added.

Trump’s opposition to military aid to Ukraine has raised doubts about US support for Kiev in the event that the former president wins a second term.

In his speech at the CNR, Trump also promised to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, like that of Israel and Hamas, and boasted that “neither of them would have happened” if he were president.

Zelenski said on Thursday in an interview with the BBC that dealing with a Trump administration would be “hard work, but we are hard workers.”

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International

UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions

The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.

Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.

The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.

“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.

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While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.

To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.

Central America

El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program

The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.

Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.

The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.

According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.

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International

Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela

Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.

In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.

“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.

For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.