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A raven has landed with your weekly intelligence briefing. We've sifted through the global noise to bring you only what matters. Prepare for this week's essential developments—distilled, unbiased, and delivered in one swift flight.

Ceasefire Announced Between India and Pakistan Amidst Recent Conflict 🇮🇳 🇵🇰

• Recent fighting began after gunmen attacked sightseers in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 26, killing 26 people, which India blamed on Pakistan.

• Two weeks later, India launched strikes on Pakistan and parts of Kashmir held by Pakistan.

• Pakistan retaliated by firing back at military air bases in India.

• The conflict escalated over four days with both sides striking deep into the other's territory.

• Concerns about the escalation between the two nuclear powers led the U.S. to play a greater role in talks.

• India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, unexpectedly halting the fighting.

• Contradictory accounts emerged regarding U.S. involvement, and reports of violations quickly followed the truce.

Source: CNN.

Putin proposes direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇹🇷

• Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed restarting direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without preconditions.

• This offer was made in response to Ukraine and its allies urging Moscow to commit to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

• The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, proposed a ceasefire to start on Monday.

• Putin referenced the unsuccessful 2022 peace talks in Istanbul and proposed "restarting" them.

• Putin stated that Russia is committed to serious negotiations and does not rule out a ceasefire later in the course of direct talks.

• He also stated that the Kremlin needs a truce that would lead to a "lasting peace" rather than allowing Ukraine to rearm.

• European leaders threatened "massive sanctions" if Russia does not accept their proposed unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Source: Associated Press.

U.S. and China Begin High-Level Trade Talks 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 💰 🧧

• The U.S. and China held their first high-level trade talks since new U.S. tariffs were imposed.

• Previously, both countries had engaged in tit-for-tat tariffs and heated rhetoric.

• Both sides reportedly felt economic pressure from the tariffs, impacting factory output, services, and supply chains.

• Each country initially claimed the other requested the talks.

• China scheduled the talks during Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow, which allowed Beijing to project strength.

• The current talks are expected to be an initial exchange of positions and set an agenda for future meetings, with a deal likely taking months.

Source: BBC.

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