Russian military recruitment advertisements, offering significant financial incentives and veteran status, are circulating widely on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin. These ads, in both Russian and Mandarin, suggest a potential Russian effort to supplement its troops with foreign mercenaries, a strategy seemingly driven by financial incentives rather than explicit Chinese government backing. While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims hundreds of Chinese nationals are fighting for Russia, experts suggest this recruitment is likely a Russian initiative, leveraging the existing strong Russia-China relationship and the appeal of financial gain. Despite these claims, there is currently no evidence directly linking the Chinese government to these recruitment efforts.
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President Trump condemned the Sumy strike as “a horrible thing,” citing reports of a Russian mistake, though he did not explicitly blame Moscow. This attack, which killed at least 34 people, followed a recent US envoy’s visit to Russia to negotiate a ceasefire. The NSC highlighted the urgency of Trump’s peace efforts in light of the Sumy tragedy. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged Trump to witness the devastation firsthand before engaging in any negotiations.
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Amidst ongoing negotiations, a Trump envoy suggested a post-ceasefire arrangement for Ukraine resembling Berlin’s post-WWII division, sparking controversy. This proposal, later clarified, involved allied forces in western Ukraine, while Russia would retain occupied eastern territories. Simultaneously, another envoy met with Putin, ignoring Zelenskyy’s demands for Ukrainian inclusion in the talks. These developments highlight differing approaches to the conflict, with Trump prioritizing a swift ceasefire, contrasting with Ukrainian resistance to territorial concessions.
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Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, identified the Russian 112th and 448th missile brigades as responsible for the April 13th Sumy attack, which killed at least 34 civilians, including two children, and injured 117 more. The Iskander-M ballistic missile strikes, launched from Voronezh and Kursk oblasts, utilized cluster munitions, a violation of international humanitarian law. This attack, condemned internationally as a war crime, occurred during Palm Sunday church services. Budanov vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
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In a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged President Trump to visit Ukraine to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion, believing a visit would clarify the situation and inform any potential negotiations. Zelensky refuted previous accusations of staging propaganda tours, assuring Trump of an unfiltered view of the conflict’s impact. He emphasized Putin’s untrustworthiness and desire for complete Ukrainian destruction, highlighting the obstacles to a lasting ceasefire. Despite his intense hatred for Putin, Zelensky remains committed to pursuing a swift and just peace that restores Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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A recent poll reveals a strong preference among UK voters for prioritizing closer trade ties with the EU over a new US economic deal. The research, employing a Max-Diff methodology, indicates that a clear majority see their economic interests as significantly more aligned with the EU. This shift in public opinion is attributed, in part, to recent global economic uncertainty stemming from US trade policies. Even potential Reform UK voters largely favored strengthened EU trade relationships. The study concludes that the government should focus on removing trade barriers with the EU to stimulate economic growth.
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To address France’s substantial debt and achieve a 4.6% GDP deficit in 2026, Economy Minister Eric Lombard proposes making the temporary wealth tax permanent. This measure, impacting high earners exceeding €250,000 annual income (individuals) or €500,000 (couples), aims to generate at least €2 billion annually and improve tax equity. The government plans to secure an additional €40 billion through savings and potential revenue increases to stabilize the national finances. The goal is to combat tax optimization and ensure fairer distribution of financial burdens.
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Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary’s largest opposition party, Tisza, aims to replace Viktor Orbán’s government in next year’s elections. Magyar’s campaign focuses on restoring Hungary’s international standing, repairing damaged relationships with the EU and NATO, and addressing domestic issues such as economic stagnation and a failing healthcare system. Recent polls indicate Tisza has surpassed Orbán’s Fidesz party in popularity, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with Orbán’s rule. Magyar asserts that Orbán’s system is irreparable and must be replaced through democratic means.
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A Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed over 30 civilians and injured nearly 100 more during Palm Sunday celebrations. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, strongly condemned the attack, characterizing it as a barbaric act of aggression violating international law. The attack follows a similar large-scale civilian casualty incident in Kryvyi Rih earlier this month, highlighting the escalating conflict and the challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire. Global leaders called for a stronger response to Russia’s actions and emphasized the need to end the ongoing war.
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A Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed at least 34 people, including children, and injured 117, prompting widespread condemnation from European leaders. The attack, occurring on Palm Sunday, was denounced as a war crime and a blatant disregard for human life and diplomatic efforts. European nations pledged continued support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Many leaders emphasized the need for stronger sanctions against Russia to force a commitment to peace negotiations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker