In an interview with CNN, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine has so far experienced no disruption in the delivery of such systems or related intelligence support, but cautioned that an extended Middle East conflict could place existing supply arrangements under pressure.

He noted that Ukraine has secured portions of its U.S. weaponry through a program under which NATO countries finance purchases for Kyiv, enabling access to critical systems including anti-ballistic missiles for Patriot platforms.

“Through this program, we can include and buy anti-ballistic missiles for Patriot systems and some other weapons which is very important for us,” Zelenskiy said, adding that similar mechanisms were not available through European partners.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that U.S. supply volumes remain limited due to constrained production capacity, acknowledging that Washington has provided only a relatively small number of such systems.“We understand why, because the production in the United States is not so big,” he said, warning that delays in de-escalation or ceasefire efforts in the Middle East could exacerbate supply risks.

Zelenskiy also highlighted Ukraine’s growing role in sharing military expertise abroad, particularly in countering drone threats. He said Kyiv had signed agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to provide training and technical know-how developed during its conflict with Russia, where Iranian-designed drones have been widely deployed.

He added that Ukraine intends to expand such cooperation with other countries, focusing initially on knowledge transfer and training missions.

“We asked the Turks about it, we asked some other capitals,” Sybiha told reporters on Tuesday in comments cleared for release on Wednesday, indicating that Ukraine is seeking a neutral venue outside Russia and its close ally Belarus.

Sybiha said Kyiv would consider any location except Belarus or Russia for such a meeting, underscoring longstanding Ukrainian objections to holding talks in countries aligned with Moscow.

Belarus facilitated Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by allowing its territory to be used as a staging ground, a factor that has made it unacceptable to Kyiv as a diplomatic venue.

The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly called for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin as a potential means to accelerate efforts toward a resolution of the conflict.

However, the Kremlin has previously stated that it is willing to host Zelensky in Moscow, a proposal the Ukrainian president has rejected.

Sybiha did not disclose Ankara’s response to the request but emphasized that Ukraine remains open to alternatives. “If another capital, besides Moscow and Belarus, organizes such a meeting, we will go,” he said.

Turkiye has previously positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow while hosting earlier rounds of negotiations.

Separately, Sybiha said he had exchanged written messages with Anita Orban, who is set to become Hungary’s foreign minister following the recent election victory of a new government in Budapest.

A Pakistani source involved in the negotiations said discussions were “on track” for Wednesday, despite earlier indications from Iran that it might not attend. U.S. President Donald Trump could join the talks either in person or virtually if an agreement is reached, the source added.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for the переговоры, according to media reports, while Iranian officials said Tehran was “positively reviewing” whether to send a delegation, without confirming participation.

The diplomatic push comes as a two-week ceasefire in the conflict, which began on February 28, nears its end. A Pakistani source said the truce is expected to expire late Wednesday U.S. time.Financial markets reacted to signs of renewed diplomacy, with oil prices falling more than $1 and equities rising in early Asian trading amid expectations that talks could resume.

Brent crude traded near $94 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell below $88.Tensions remain elevated, however, following disputes over the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and the recent interception of an Iranian vessel.

Tehran condemned the seizure and warned Washington would bear responsibility for any escalation.Iranian officials also reiterated that they would not negotiate under pressure. Senior figures, including Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, accused Washington of attempting to force concessions through economic and military pressure.

Washington has said it seeks an agreement that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while stabilizing energy markets. Tehran, for its part, is seeking relief from sanctions and an end to hostilities without compromising its nuclear program.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the negotiations, as the waterway handles a significant share of global oil and gas shipments and has been affected by restrictions imposed during the conflict.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has deployed nearly 20,000 security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the potential talks, underscoring the high stakes and security concerns surrounding the negotiations.

The talks, involving a group described as Trump’s “Board of Peace,” focused on whether DP World could partner in overseeing logistics for humanitarian aid and commercial goods entering the Gaza Strip, according to the report.

Details of the proposed arrangement, including governance structures or timelines, were not disclosed. Reuters could not independently verify the discussions.

Any such initiative would come amid ongoing international efforts to plan for reconstruction and aid delivery in Gaza, where infrastructure has been severely damaged by conflict.

The candidates former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina, UN trade and development head Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and former Senegalese president Macky Sall are set to participate in hours-long hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday in a process aimed at increasing transparency in the selection of the UN’s top official.

The public dialogues, introduced in 2016, allow member states and non-governmental organizations to question candidates directly. However, the final decision will rest with the 15-member UN Security Council, where the five permanent members the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France hold veto power.

The selection comes at a time when the United Nations faces significant operational strain, including what officials describe as a severe budget shortfall linked to delayed or withheld contributions, particularly from the United States. Washington’s envoy to the UN has indicated that the next secretary-general must align with U.S. priorities, underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved in the appointment.

Bachelet, 74, brings decades of political and diplomatic experience, having served as Chile’s first female president and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her tenure at the rights body drew criticism from some member states, including China, following reports addressing alleged abuses against Uyghur populations.

Grossi, 65, has led the IAEA since 2019 and has played a central role in navigating nuclear-related tensions involving Iran and the conflict in Ukraine, including concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. His candidacy places him under scrutiny from both Western powers and Russia, reflecting the sensitivity of his portfolio.

Grynspan, 70, currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development and has been credited with facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which enabled grain exports amid the Ukraine conflict.

She has emphasized multilateral cooperation and her personal background as the daughter of Holocaust survivors in articulating her commitment to the UN Charter.Sall, 64, stands as the only candidate outside Latin America, a region many member states argue should produce the next secretary-general under informal rotation practices.

His candidacy has faced resistance within Africa, including from segments of the African Union, and criticism related to his handling of political unrest during his presidency.All four candidates have pledged to restore confidence in the United Nations and address divisions among member states, as conflicts and economic pressures test the institution’s capacity to respond effectively.

The hearings are expected to shape diplomatic negotiations in the coming months as Security Council members weigh competing priorities before recommending a candidate to the General Assembly.

Brent crude futures rose about 7% in early Asian trading to $96.85 a barrel, while S&P 500 futures fell roughly 0.9%, reflecting a shift toward risk aversion among investors. Currency markets also reacted, with the euro easing 0.3% to $1.1735 and the Japanese yen weakening about 0.2% to 158.95 per dollar.

The moves followed conflicting signals on diplomacy after Iran rejected new peace talks with the United States, according to state media, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would pursue negotiations while warning of further military action if Tehran refused its terms.

Market sentiment was further pressured by rising tensions at sea after the United States said it had seized an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to breach its blockade, adding to uncertainty around energy supply routes.

The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz a key transit corridor for global oil and gas shipments — reversed sharp gains in equities and bonds recorded on Friday, when Iran’s brief reopening of the passage had fueled hopes of de-escalation and sent oil prices lower.

Analysts said markets are recalibrating expectations after what some viewed as an overly optimistic rally. Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone, said investors were unwinding positions as geopolitical risks resurfaced, though underlying expectations of continued dialogue between the two sides remain a moderating factor.

“If it is confirmed that talks will not proceed, markets could shift more decisively into risk-off mode,” Brown said, noting that much of Friday’s bond rally could reverse under sustained uncertainty.Global equities had rallied last week, with Wall Street indexes reaching record highs, supported by easing oil prices and expectations of strong corporate earnings.

Bond yields also declined, with the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yield falling to its lowest level since mid-March.The U.S. dollar, which had weakened in recent sessions as safe-haven demand eased, edged higher on Monday, with the dollar index up around 0.2% in early trading.

Analysts cautioned that recent market moves suggest heightened volatility ahead. Marc Chandler of Bannockburn Capital Markets noted that the Nasdaq’s extended rally and the dollar’s recent declines indicated markets may have been pricing in a more optimistic scenario than current geopolitical conditions support.

Investors are now closely monitoring developments in the Iran conflict and any signals on diplomatic engagement, as well as upcoming corporate earnings, for direction in global markets.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military command said the vessel was en route from China when it came under attack, warning that Iranian forces would respond. A spokesperson described the incident as “armed piracy” and said retaliation would follow.U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that a U.S.

Navy destroyer intercepted the ship, identified as the MV Touska, after it failed to comply with repeated warnings while attempting to breach a U.S.-imposed maritime blockade on Iranian ports.Trump said the vessel was disabled after the USS Spruance fired on its engine room and that U.S. Marines had taken control of the ship.

He added that the Touska was subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions due to a history of alleged illegal activity.The U.S. Central Command said the destroyer issued warnings over a six-hour period before using force to stop the vessel, marking the first such interception since the blockade began last week.

It added that U.S. forces have turned back at least 25 commercial vessels attempting to navigate the restricted waters.The confrontation comes amid heightened instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, which has remained largely closed since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran seven weeks ago.

Iran briefly reopened the strait on Friday following a ceasefire in Lebanon but shut it again within 24 hours, citing continued U.S. naval restrictions. The uncertainty has disrupted maritime traffic, with vessel tracking data showing tankers reversing course in recent days.Energy analysts warned that the renewed tensions could drive volatility in oil markets after a brief easing late last week.

Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects, said developments over the weekend underscored the fragility of the situation and the risk of further escalation.

The incident adds pressure on diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, with markets and governments closely monitoring the standoff for signs of either de-escalation or further conflict.

The Philippines becomes the 13th member of Pax Silica, a programme designed to safeguard the full spectrum of the technology supply chain, including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing and data infrastructure.

The initiative forms part of the Trump administration’s broader economic strategy to reduce reliance on rival nations and deepen coordination among allied partners. Other participating countries include Australia, Finland, India, Qatar, South Korea and Singapore.

The planned industrial hub will be located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, a key economic zone encompassing Manila and surrounding regions with established manufacturing capacity. The Philippines, Japan and the United States have also committed to increasing infrastructure investment in the corridor under a trilateral framework agreement.

“It is intended to serve as a staging point for a purpose-built platform for allied manufacturing,” the State Department said, adding that both countries aim to reinforce supply chains across semiconductors, electronics and other critical sectors.

The project underscores strengthening ties between Manila and Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has moved to deepen cooperation with the United States.

The Philippines, a former U.S. colony, has also taken on strategic importance in Washington’s efforts to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Wang told Tajani that China is prepared to work with Italy to unlock further “potential” in bilateral ties, signalling interest in deepening collaboration despite broader shifts in global trade dynamics.

China is open to expanding cooperation in areas including e-commerce, agriculture and food, healthcare and the development of industrial parks, the commerce ministry said, outlining sectors seen as key to future engagement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain and diversify trade relationships with European partners, as global supply chains and geopolitical alignments continue to evolve.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 0.9%, marking a third straight day of gains, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.2% to a fresh peak. U.S. equity futures also pointed higher, with S&P 500 e-mini contracts up 0.2%.

The gains followed a strong session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 rose 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.6%, supported by robust earnings from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley. With roughly 6% of companies having reported results so far, about 84% have exceeded analysts’ expectations.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs said they remained constructive on emerging market equities, citing expectations of solid profit growth driven in part by demand linked to artificial intelligence, which they said could remain relatively insulated from energy market shocks.

Attention in Asia is also turning to earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, a key supplier in the global semiconductor industry, with forecasts pointing to a sharp rise in quarterly profit on strong demand for advanced chips.

In currency markets, the U.S. dollar index was little changed at 98.02, as easing geopolitical tensions tempered safe-haven demand and investors adjusted expectations for monetary policy easing by the Federal Reserve. The euro hovered near its highest level since the Iran conflict began, extending a multi-day rally.

Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude rising 0.3% to $95.23 per barrel, after indications that Iran could allow safer maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz as part of ongoing negotiations with the United States. Supply concerns were also heightened by a refinery fire in Australia.

Chinese equities gained after data showed the economy expanded 5.0% year-on-year in the first quarter, exceeding expectations and suggesting resilience despite geopolitical headwinds. Analysts cautioned, however, that prolonged conflict could weigh on global demand and exports.

Australian markets were more subdued, with shares slightly lower and the currency steady after employment data showed stable labor market conditions, reinforcing expectations that inflation risks remain a key concern for policymakers at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Gold rose 0.6% as investors balanced improving risk sentiment with lingering uncertainty, while major cryptocurrencies edged lower in cautious trading.