To prevent the permanent closure of Britain’s last primary steelmaking plant, emergency measures are underway. The government, having assumed control from the Chinese owners (Jingye), is securing raw materials to keep the blast furnaces operational; failure to do so would cause irreversible damage. Union concerns regarding potential sabotage by Jingye are being investigated, while the government aims for a long-term private sector partnership, acknowledging nationalization as a likely outcome. Emergency legislation, passed swiftly through Parliament, grants the government power to keep the plant open, protecting thousands of jobs.
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On April 14th, the U.K. disbursed £752 million to Ukraine, the second of three planned installments totaling £2.26 billion under the G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme. This loan, part of a $50 billion initiative backed by frozen Russian assets, is specifically earmarked for Ukrainian defense procurement, including air defense and artillery systems. The remaining installment is scheduled for 2026, with repayment contingent upon the eventual liquidation of the seized Russian assets. This financial support underscores the G7’s commitment to aiding Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
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Amidst Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, President Putin has invited leaders from China, India, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia to Moscow’s May 9th military celebrations. EU High Representative Kallas strongly urged European leaders to boycott these events, emphasizing that such participation would be viewed negatively by the EU. This stance underscores the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its condemnation of Russia’s actions. The invitations highlight Russia’s attempts to garner international support while the EU seeks to maintain a unified front against the aggression.
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Following deadly Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Sumy and Kryvyi Rih, multiple European foreign ministers condemned Russia’s actions as a blatant disregard for a previously proposed ceasefire and a continued escalation of the conflict. These attacks, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties, directly contradict Ukraine’s commitment to peace and mock ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts. Ministers urged stronger international action, including further sanctions against Russia and increased support for Ukraine. Despite a previous agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea, this truce has been largely unsuccessful.
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President Bukele refused to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, defying a Supreme Court order compelling his repatriation. Bukele, meeting with President Trump, argued that returning Abrego Garcia, who was deported due to an administrative error, was impossible and would undermine El Salvador’s security gains. The Trump administration, while acknowledging the error, similarly claimed a lack of legal obligation to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return. The Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s order, demanding updates on the situation from the administration. Despite this, Bukele asserted he would not comply.
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Former US President Donald Trump disavowed responsibility for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, labeling it “Biden’s war” and asserting that his presidency would have prevented it. He attributed the conflict to the alleged rigging of the 2020 election and criticized both President Biden and President Zelenskyy for their handling of the situation. Trump claimed that he is now working to end the war, despite his previous assertions of having no involvement. This statement follows a deadly Russian strike on Sumy, which Trump described as a “horrible thing.”
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Hungary’s parliament is poised to vote on a constitutional amendment that severely restricts LGBTQ+ rights and expands government power. The amendment codifies a ban on Pride events, enabling the use of facial recognition technology against attendees, and constitutionally recognizes only two sexes. Furthermore, it allows the government to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a threat to national security, a move criticized as suppressing dissent. Opposition groups have decried the amendment as a significant escalation of Orbán’s authoritarian tendencies, drawing parallels to Russia and prompting calls for protests. International condemnation from the EU and numerous embassies highlights the international concern over these actions.
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In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Vice President JD Vance for seemingly justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine, alleging that Russian narratives have gained traction in Washington. He urged President Trump to visit Ukraine before engaging in peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for firsthand observation of the war’s devastation. Zelenskyy expressed concern about the influence of Russian disinformation on American politics, highlighting the stakes of the conflict and warning of the potential escalation to a world war if Putin’s imperial ambitions are unchecked. Zelenskyy’s plea comes amidst Trump’s envoy’s meeting with Putin and Trump’s subsequent calls for an end to the conflict.
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A Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, resulted in 34 deaths and 117 injuries during Palm Sunday celebrations. Former President Trump attributed the attack to a Russian “mistake,” shifting blame for the ongoing war to President Biden, while avoiding mention of Vladimir Putin. Trump claimed that his presidency would have prevented the conflict, despite evidence contradicting his assertion of millions of deaths. He repeatedly referred to the conflict as “Biden’s war.”
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Following a devastating Russian missile strike in Sumy that killed at least 34 civilians on Palm Sunday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy issued a plea for world leaders to witness the devastation firsthand. He urged them to visit Ukraine’s ravaged cities to understand the true scale of Russia’s atrocities before engaging in any negotiations, emphasizing that this would not be a staged event. Zelenskyy directly challenged claims that the attack was accidental, contrasting them with the horrific reality on the ground. The Sumy attack, one of the deadliest in Ukraine this year, followed a similar strike in Kryvyi Rih earlier this month.
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John Q. Hosedrinker