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Over 50 Nations Seek U.S. Tariff Negotiations Amid Market Turmoil, Trump Administration Claims

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More than 50 countries have approached the White House to initiate trade talks following President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement last week, according to senior administration officials. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through global markets and erased nearly $6 trillion from U.S. stock valuations, is being framed by the Trump administration as a strategic repositioning of America’s role in the international trade system.

Appearing on Sunday political shows, top economic advisers sought to temper fears of a recession, presenting the tariffs as a calculated move intended to strengthen U.S. leverage on the global stage. Despite deep investor anxiety and expectations of a volatile start to Asian market trading on Monday, officials maintained an optimistic tone.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that since the administration’s announcement on Wednesday, more than 50 nations had initiated tariff-related discussions with the U.S. While specific countries were not named, Bessent described the situation as one that places President Trump in a strong bargaining position.

“He’s created maximum leverage for himself,” Bessent stated on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, adding that dealing with multiple countries simultaneously might present logistical challenges and increase economic uncertainty.

Despite the massive market downturn, Bessent downplayed fears of an impending recession. He cited better-than-expected job growth as evidence that the U.S. economy remains strong, and insisted that the tariff policy was not likely to derail long-term growth.

The tariff rollout has already triggered sharp retaliatory responses from countries like China and raised fears of a global trade war. Trump’s broad tariff package, which includes a 10% levy on all imports from several nations, went into effect on Saturday. Starting Wednesday, country-specific tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% are also set to begin.

JPMorgan economists revised their outlook, predicting a 0.3% decline in full-year U.S. GDP—down from a 1.3% growth forecast—and projected that the national unemployment rate would spike to 5.3%, up from its current 4.2%.

Several countries have already signaled a willingness to negotiate. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te offered zero tariffs and pledged increased U.S. investments from Taiwanese firms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to seek a waiver from a 17% tariff during an upcoming meeting with Trump.

India, facing a 26% tariff on select goods, has chosen a diplomatic route and entered talks without issuing retaliatory threats. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni promised domestic support for local businesses hurt by a pending 20% tariff on European Union goods. Italian wine exporters, speaking at a Verona trade fair, expressed alarm at immediate slowdowns in business.

The financial impact has been historic. The S&P 1500 Composite Index has lost nearly $10 trillion since mid-February, with $6 trillion of that wiped out in just two days following the tariff announcement—marking the worst market week since the COVID-19 crash five years ago.

Despite the staggering losses, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett denied accusations that the administration intentionally tanked markets to force the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. A controversial *Truth Social* post by Trump last week, showing him swinging a golf club alongside a caption suggesting market manipulation, only fueled speculation.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted on CBS’s *Face the Nation* that the tariffs could be short-term. “Days or weeks,” he said, suggesting they may be lifted if successful negotiations emerge.

However, scrutiny over the administration’s tariff-setting process has intensified. Reports emerged that duties were even applied to remote, uninhabited territories, including Antarctic islands inhabited only by penguins. Lutnick defended the approach, saying it was necessary to prevent larger nations from using small countries as backdoor routes to avoid tariffs.

“Basically, (Trump) said, ‘I can’t let any part of the world be a place where China or other countries can ship through them,’” Lutnick explained.

As global markets brace for continued volatility and diplomatic efforts accelerate, the Trump administration’s bold trade strategy has reshaped the global economic conversation. While negotiations are now in motion with dozens of nations, the long-term consequences—both politically and economically—remain uncertain.

Whether the tariffs ultimately bring concessions or drag the U.S. into deeper trade conflicts may depend on how these next few weeks of dealmaking unfold.

AR-Style Rifle Drawn After MAGA Supporter Bloodied in Clash at ‘Hands Off’ Anti-Trump Rally

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A dramatic and violent confrontation unfolded at an anti-Trump protest in Lafayette, Indiana, when a Trump supporter, visibly bloodied, retrieved an AR-style rifle from his vehicle after being struck during a heated altercation with a demonstrator. The incident, caught on camera and widely shared on social media, took place amid a broader wave of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” protests opposing President Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.

Videos posted to social media show a man wearing a grey MAGA hoodie and white cap stepping out of his vehicle and engaging in a loud verbal clash with a protester amid chants of “Protect the Constitution!” The standoff quickly escalated, drawing a crowd of bystanders and the man’s vehicle passengers—one of whom identified herself as his wife—who recorded the altercation from close range.

As the confrontation intensified, efforts by onlookers to separate the two men failed. The MAGA supporter was then headbutted in the face, appearing to suffer a blow to the nose that left him visibly bleeding.

In response to the headbutt, the man backed away toward his vehicle and retrieved an AR-style rifle from the back seat. According to the video, he instructed someone nearby—believed to be a passenger—to call 911 as he continued bleeding and moved toward the man he had argued with.

The incident sparked a firestorm online, where opinions were sharply divided. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) condemned the rifle display as “felony menacing,” while others defended the man’s actions as self-defense after being assaulted.

The *Journal & Courier* later confirmed that the Trump supporter was detained and questioned by Lafayette police. He was ultimately released without charges after investigators determined that his actions were consistent with self-defense and that he had legally possessed the firearm.

The Lafayette protest was part of a coordinated, international movement titled “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization,” aimed at resisting President Trump’s ongoing overhaul of the federal government. These demonstrations have surged in response to mass layoffs and agency disruptions tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the controversial federal agency led by tech mogul Elon Musk.

Reuters reported that the rally in Indiana was one of thousands held across the United States and Europe, where critics of the Trump administration decry what they see as authoritarian overreach, destabilization of democratic norms, and economic hardship resulting from mass firings of federal workers.

The rifle incident in Lafayette has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over political extremism, protest safety, and Second Amendment rights in an increasingly polarized United States. The fact that the altercation unfolded amid a peaceful protest and quickly escalated into a potentially deadly situation has only intensified scrutiny of the charged political climate surrounding Trump’s presidency.

Local authorities say they are reviewing additional footage and are urging both demonstrators and counter-protesters to exercise restraint and avoid confrontational behavior at future events.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up and the anti-Trump resistance grows louder, incidents like this may foreshadow a turbulent road ahead.

Nigeria Warns of Trade Disruptions as Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Key Exports to US

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Kenyan workers prepare clothes for export at the United Aryan Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factory, operating under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in Ruaraka district of Nairobi, Kenya October 26, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed serious concern over the newly imposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that the decision could destabilize Nigeria’s export-driven economy and pose significant challenges to trade relations between the two countries.

Kenyan workers prepare clothes for export at the United Aryan Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factory, operating under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in Ruaraka district of Nairobi, Kenya October 26, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo

In a statement released Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, acknowledged that the U.S. tariff hike will likely erode the competitiveness of both oil and non-oil Nigerian products, making it harder for local exporters—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—to maintain a foothold in the U.S. market.

Dr. Oduwole revealed that Nigeria’s exports to the United States have averaged between $5 billion and $6 billion annually over the last two years. A dominant 90 percent of these exports consist of crude petroleum, mineral fuels, and gas-related products. Non-oil exports, though smaller in volume, include fertilizers, urea, lead, and select agricultural goods like live plants, flour, and nuts.

“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the U.S., our non-oil products—which have benefited from exemptions under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—now face serious disruption,” the minister said.

According to her, fertilizers and urea account for roughly 2–3 percent of Nigerian exports to the U.S., while lead contributes around 1 percent, valued at approximately $82 million annually. Agricultural products remain modest but vital for SMEs and rural-based producers.

The tariff increase, which will reportedly affect a wide range of foreign imports including those from Nigeria, is expected to impose duties of up to 50 percent. Many of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized businesses, which previously benefited from duty-free access to U.S. markets under AGOA, now face rising operational costs and shrinking demand.

 “The most immediate impact will be felt by small exporters who rely on AGOA exemptions,” Dr. Oduwole noted. “These businesses now face rising costs and wavering buyer interest, making it harder to penetrate or sustain presence in the U.S. market.”

The minister stressed that the policy shift underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to diversify its economy and strengthen the global competitiveness of its non-oil sectors. She said the government is now redoubling efforts to improve quality control, certification, and traceability in export production, in a bid to access a wider range of international markets.

Trade and economic experts have also sounded alarms over the long-term effects of the U.S. policy on Nigeria’s economy. Speaking to *The PUNCH*, economists warned that the tariffs could raise consumer prices, slow down manufacturing, reduce international trade, and lower demand for Nigerian oil—especially in the U.S., one of Nigeria’s key export markets.

They argue that the Trump administration’s move signals a significant retreat from long-standing free-trade principles and could weaken economic ties with several African nations, including Nigeria.

As the global economy navigates a new era of protectionism and tariff wars, Nigeria is seeking to adapt by enhancing its trade resilience. Dr. Oduwole emphasized that while the immediate outlook may be uncertain, the situation presents an opportunity for Nigeria to accelerate reforms aimed at boosting non-oil exports and strengthening export compliance.

“This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by enhancing quality assurance, control, and traceability in line with global standards,” she concluded.

With the U.S. now imposing a more rigid tariff regime, Nigeria’s trade strategy will likely pivot toward deeper engagement with emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Europe, while also investing in export infrastructure and compliance mechanisms to sustain competitiveness in the global arena.

UK Lawmakers Deported from Israel Over Alleged Anti-Israel Intentions, Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

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Two members of the United Kingdom’s ruling Labour Party were barred from entering Israel and subsequently deported on Saturday, igniting a sharp diplomatic exchange between London and Tel Aviv. Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were refused entry at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport after arriving on a flight from London Luton Airport.

According to a statement from Israel’s immigration ministry, the lawmakers were denied entry due to suspicions that they intended to “document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.” The ministry accused the pair of misrepresenting the purpose of their visit, saying the MPs had falsely claimed to be part of an official parliamentary delegation.

UK Foreign Secretary Condemns Israel’s Actions

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a swift and forceful response, calling the treatment of the two lawmakers “unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning.” In a statement issued late Saturday, Lammy rejected Israel’s claim that the MPs had misrepresented themselves, reaffirming that Yang and Mohamed were traveling as part of an official parliamentary mission.

 “I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians,” Lammy said. “We have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support.”

Lammy emphasized the UK’s continued diplomatic focus on halting hostilities in Gaza, stating that “the UK government’s focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages, and end the conflict.”

Though neither MP has yet commented publicly on their deportation, Abtisam Mohamed has previously drawn criticism in Israel for remarks made in January during a session of the UK Parliament. At the time, she accused Israel of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza and urged the UK government to declare any future Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip as “illegal.”

Israel has consistently denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and maintains that its military actions in Gaza are in self-defense against Hamas and other militant factions. However, the global community remains sharply divided over Israel’s actions, especially in Palestinian territories occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The United Nations and several human rights groups have voiced concern over civilian casualties and displacement in Gaza, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly cautioned against what he called “forced displacement” and “ethnic cleansing.”

The incident has inflamed tensions between two longstanding allies and raised broader questions about Israel’s treatment of foreign officials critical of its policies. While Israel maintains the right to control its borders and refuse entry to individuals it deems hostile, the deportation of sitting British MPs is a rare and highly controversial move.

The Israeli government’s decision to publicize the allegations that the MPs intended to “spread anti-Israel hatred” has only deepened concerns among British lawmakers and international observers. Critics argue that the deportations reflect an increasingly intolerant approach to dissent, particularly amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

British political analysts suggest that the incident could have ripple effects on UK-Israel relations, especially given Labour’s growing internal debate over the party’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

For now, both MPs have returned to the UK, and the Foreign Office continues to seek clarification and assurances from the Israeli government about the reasoning and handling of the deportation.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and political divisions sharpen across the globe, incidents like these may continue to test the resilience of long-established diplomatic alliances.

NATO Scrambles Jets as Russia Launches Devastating Barrage of Nuclear-Capable Bombers and Ballistic Missiles on Ukraine

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NATO forces were placed on high alert and scrambled fighter jets after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched one of the most extensive and aggressive air assaults of the war, involving nuclear-capable bombers and waves of ballistic missiles aimed at key Ukrainian cities. The strikes came less than 24 hours after a deadly missile attack on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, where at least 19 people—including nine children—were killed.

In the early hours, sirens wailed across Ukraine as multiple regions were hit by an intense and prolonged bombardment lasting nearly eight hours. Strategic Tu-95MS bombers deployed from Russian territory fired Kh-101 cruise missiles from above the Caspian Sea, according to Ukrainian defense officials. Simultaneously, Kyiv was assaulted with ballistic missiles, kamikaze drones, and aerial bombs, leaving several districts engulfed in flames and heavily damaged.

In response to the large-scale Russian operation, NATO activated air patrols along its eastern flank. Polish fighter jets, along with aircraft from other allied nations, were deployed to monitor airspace close to Ukraine’s borders. The Operational Commander of Poland’s Armed Forces confirmed the urgent mobilization, stating: 

“Due to the intensive activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation performing strikes on targets in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation operations have commenced. All available air defense and radar systems are on maximum alert.”

NATO’s action reflects the growing concern that Russia’s escalating air campaigns could threaten nearby NATO territory or result in accidental incursions.

The capital city, Kyiv, experienced widespread destruction as at least ten ballistic missiles rained down, triggering fires in the Darnytsia, Obolonskyi, and Solomynskyi districts. Residential buildings, warehouses, and a furniture store were among the many structures damaged or destroyed. Emergency services reported at least three people injured in Kyiv alone, while firefighters rushed to contain flames and rescue trapped civilians.

In Obolonskyi, a multi-story building partially collapsed under the impact of the explosions, forcing residents to take shelter in underground metro stations. Elsewhere in Ukraine, the strikes extended to Uman in the Cherkasy region and Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region. In Kupyansk, a Russian aerial bomb hit an apartment block, injuring a 78-year-old woman and a 67-year-old man, sparking another massive fire.

The missile barrage follows Friday’s devastating attack on Kryvyi Rih, which marked one of the deadliest days of 2025 for Ukraine. Russian missiles struck residential neighborhoods, killing 19 civilians—nine of them children—and injuring at least 61 more. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia falsely claimed it had conducted a “precision strike” on a restaurant hosting Ukrainian military personnel and foreign advisers. However, eyewitness accounts and emergency footage revealed the strike hit homes and a nearby park where children had been playing moments before the blast.

Scenes of horror unfolded as bloodied survivors were pulled from rubble, many carried away on stretchers. Parents screamed for missing children while firefighters fought to extinguish raging fires in residential zones. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of deliberate misinformation and war crimes.

Ukraine and its Western allies say the renewed wave of Russian aggression underscores President Putin’s blatant disregard for any peace negotiations, despite recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposals. President Trump has repeatedly called on Moscow to accept terms that would de-escalate the conflict, but the latest coordinated attacks have dashed hopes of an imminent resolution.

Ukrainian military leaders called the attack “a clear sign that the Kremlin intends to prolong the war and inflict maximum damage on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and morale.” President Zelensky urged international partners to intensify pressure on Moscow, calling for stronger sanctions, more advanced air defense systems, and additional humanitarian support.

As NATO remains on high alert and Ukrainian cities reel from another night of terror, the conflict shows no signs of abating—further highlighting the high stakes for both regional stability and global security.

Kenyan Woman Arrested in Mumbai with Cocaine Worth $2.4m Hidden in Luggage

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A Kenyan national has been arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after customs officials discovered cocaine worth between Ksh225 million and Ksh300 million ($2.4m) concealed in her luggage. The incident occurred on Tuesday, following intelligence alerts that led authorities to inspect her belongings upon arrival from Nairobi.

The woman, identified as Emily, was stopped by customs officers for baggage inspection shortly after disembarking from her flight. Inside her trolley bag, officials found four suspicious packets filled with a powdery substance. Preliminary testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine.

Authorities reported that the total weight of the narcotics seized was 1,789 grams. The estimated street value of the drugs was calculated based on purity levels and current market prices, falling between Rs 15 crore and Rs 20 crore (approximately Ksh225 million to Ksh300 million) or $2.4m.

Sources revealed that Emily had skillfully hidden the cocaine in her luggage to evade detection. However, her plan was foiled thanks to timely intelligence and vigilant customs officials.

Upon interrogation, Emily confessed that she had been given the narcotics by another woman in Nairobi. She was promised a payment of Ksh100,000 (about INR 66,110) in exchange for delivering the consignment to an unnamed associate in Delhi.

She was taken into custody under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which governs the possession and trafficking of illegal drugs in India. Smuggling of commercial quantities, such as the amount Emily was carrying, carries severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.

Customs officials are currently analyzing Emily’s travel records to determine if she has been involved in previous drug trafficking attempts. Authorities are also working to identify the individuals in both Nairobi and Delhi who were allegedly part of the drug operation.

The bust highlights a growing concern over international drug smuggling routes that link East Africa with South Asia. Officials emphasized that this arrest is part of a broader crackdown on transnational narcotics trafficking networks exploiting international air travel.

Emily remains in custody as investigations continue, with further arrests likely as authorities trace the origins and intended recipients of the cocaine shipment.

Elon Musk’s Fall from Power: How Trump’s Right-Hand Man Lost Favor in the White House

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Elon Musk, once celebrated as President Donald Trump’s right-hand man and political enforcer, is now facing a rapid and dramatic fall from grace inside the Washington power structure.

Musk was riding high after his appointment as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal agency tasked with streamlining government spending and operations. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO promised to trim $2 trillion in federal expenditures and proposed cutting hundreds of thousands of government jobs.

But what began as an ambitious reform mission quickly turned into a political storm. Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting proposals, controversial public remarks, and lack of coordination with top Trump officials have eroded his standing in the administration.

Internal Clashes and Communication Breakdowns

Tensions within Trump’s cabinet mounted after Musk began making bold announcements on his social media platform, X, without prior notice to the White House. Cabinet secretaries, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were blindsided by Musk’s DOGE initiatives, leading to strained relationships and accusations of undermining official communication strategies.

One particularly tense Cabinet meeting reportedly ended in a heated argument between Musk and Rubio—an incident that unfolded in front of Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The confrontation highlighted broader frustrations about Musk’s unwillingness to collaborate and communicate with fellow officials.

Wiles had been asked by Trump to hold weekly check-ins with Musk to mitigate rising tensions, but even those meetings failed to prevent further discord.

The Pentagon Briefing That Sparked Trump’s Anger

The tipping point came when Musk was cleared to attend a highly classified Pentagon briefing focused on U.S. military plans and China. Though Musk holds significant business interests in China through Tesla, he was scheduled to receive the sensitive intelligence without Trump’s prior knowledge.

The revelation sparked a furious reaction inside the White House. While Trump publicly dismissed the story as “fake news,” sources confirmed that he was privately livid. The president viewed Musk’s involvement as a clear conflict of interest and was angered that he hadn’t been consulted first.

Public Spectacles and Political Fallout

Musk’s penchant for dramatic gestures didn’t help matters. At a major conservative event in February, he took the stage wielding a chainsaw to symbolize his dedication to cutting government waste. The stunt, while attention-grabbing, was widely seen by Trump allies as over-the-top and damaging to the Republican Party’s image.

Senator Lindsey Graham cautioned that the moment would haunt Republicans in the upcoming election cycle. Behind the scenes, Trump aides worried Musk’s antics were making him a political liability.

Musk also stirred controversy when he claimed the U.S. Social Security system still included people aged over 120 years. Though the issue raised questions about database accuracy, Musk’s exaggeration led to further confusion—especially after Trump repeated the claim in a speech without verifying it.

From Ally to Outsider

Despite Musk’s $288 million campaign donation and ongoing personal rapport with Trump, his time in the administration is drawing to a close. Trump has reportedly informed top aides and Cabinet members that Musk will be stepping down from his DOGE leadership role in the coming weeks.

According to *Politico*, Musk will “soon be returning to the business world.” But insiders say he won’t be disappearing entirely. A Trump aide noted, “Anyone who thinks Musk is going to vanish from Trump’s orbit is fooling themselves.” Musk is still expected to visit Mar-a-Lago and maintain direct access to the president.

Mounting Backlash and Business Repercussions

Outside of Washington, the political entanglement is taking a toll on Musk’s business empire. Tesla has already begun to feel the impact of Trump’s 25% automotive tariffs, which went into effect on April 2. Since many of Tesla’s suppliers operate in China and Mexico, the company is now directly exposed to increased costs.

“Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here,” Musk acknowledged in a recent X post. “The cost impact is not trivial.”

Tesla’s global vehicle deliveries also fell by 13% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, a decline that investors see as partly fueled by consumer backlash over Musk’s government involvement.

Meanwhile, Democrats are seizing the moment to turn Musk into a political foil ahead of the midterm elections—mirroring how Republicans once used Nancy Pelosi to galvanize their base.

A recent NBC News poll found that 51% of Americans hold a negative view of Musk, compared to 39% with a favorable opinion, signaling growing unease with his increasingly polarizing role in American politics.

The White House has yet to publicly comment on Musk’s exit, but his turbulent journey from insider to outsider marks one of the most dramatic political falls of the Trump era.

Credit: Dailymail

Russia’s Deadly Attack on Kryvyi Rih Leaves 19 Dead, Ukraine Rejects Moscow’s Military Claim

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A Russian missile and drone assault on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday killed at least 19 people, including nine children, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strike, which devastated residential neighborhoods in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown, has drawn sharp condemnation and renewed scrutiny over Russia’s conduct in the war.

Local officials said a missile hit a residential area, killing 18 people and igniting fires. Later, Russian drones struck again, killing another person. The regional governor, Serhiy Lysak, said the attacks left more than 50 injured, with over 30 people—including a three-month-old baby—hospitalized.

Images from the scene showed charred buildings, wrecked vehicles, and emergency workers searching through rubble by flashlight. Residents scrambled to make emergency repairs using whatever materials they could find.

“There were dead children lying there, crying parents—it was horrible,” said Yulia, a 47-year-old resident who spoke to Reuters while surveying damage in her home.

In a statement on Telegram, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the missile strike was a “high-precision” operation that targeted a gathering of Ukrainian unit commanders and foreign military advisers inside a restaurant. The ministry said the attack killed up to 85 soldiers and officers, as well as destroyed 20 military vehicles.

Ukraine dismissed Russia’s statement as disinformation. The Ukrainian military said the attack clearly struck residential areas and accused Russia of attempting to justify the killing of civilians.

“This attack shows that Russia is in no way seeking peace, but rather intends to continue its invasion and destroy Ukraine and all Ukrainians,” the General Staff of Ukraine’s military said in a statement.

The deadly strike came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office in January promising to end the war within 24 hours, said Washington had brokered two ceasefire agreements between Russia and Ukraine. One of the deals reportedly called for both sides to stop targeting each other’s energy infrastructure.

But on Friday, both Moscow and Kyiv accused one another of violating the ceasefire. Ukraine said Russia launched a drone strike on a thermal power plant in the southern city of Kherson. Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of attacking six Russian energy facilities over the same 24-hour period.

In his nightly video address, President Zelenskyy called on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow, saying Russia’s continued attacks on civilians show it has no intention of ending the war.

The strike on Kryvyi Rih marks one of the bloodiest single attacks by Russia this year. Despite the Kremlin’s claim that it does not target civilians, the war has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction across Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Anti-Trump Protests Erupt Across European Cities Amid Tariffs and Musk Controversy

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Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets across major European cities on Saturday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump and his senior adviser Elon Musk. The protests followed a turbulent week for global financial markets after Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, sparking backlash both abroad and at home.

In Frankfurt, Germany, the protest titled “Hands Off!” was organized by Democrats Abroad, the official overseas arm of the U.S. Democratic Party. The rally at Frankfurt’s Opernplatz featured American expatriates calling for President Trump’s resignation, holding signs that read “Restore Democracy,” “Hands off our personal data,” and “The world is tired of your bullshit Donald, be gone!”

In Berlin, demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla showroom with messages aimed at Elon Musk, including “Shut up Elon, no one voted for you.” Musk, who serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump’s administration, was criticized for his controversial role in shaping government policy. One protestor’s dog wore a humorous sign: “Dogs against DOGE,” referencing the department’s acronym and Musk’s infamous cryptocurrency affiliations.

The Berlin crowd also urged fellow Americans living in Germany to stand against “chaos in Washington,” with the demonstration acting as both a political rally and a call for voter engagement abroad.

In Paris, nearly 200 demonstrators—primarily U.S. citizens—gathered at the Place de la République. Protesters held banners reading “Resist Tyrant,” “Rule of Law,” and “Feminists for Freedom not Fascism.” A poignant musical performance of Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War” added emotional weight to the gathering.

Speakers at the event denounced what they described as attacks on democracy, judicial independence, and civil rights under the Trump administration.

Protests also unfolded in London and Lisbon, where demonstrators echoed similar frustrations. In London’s Trafalgar Square, a few hundred people held up placards such as “Proud American Ashamed” and “WTAF America?” The crowd chanted slogans including “Hands off Canada,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “Hands off Ukraine,” referencing Trump’s controversial foreign policy decisions and geopolitical comments.

The European protests reflect growing international concern about the direction of U.S. domestic and foreign policy under Trump’s second term. Demonstrators emphasized the importance of transatlantic solidarity and the role of American citizens abroad in advocating for democratic norms and global cooperation.

Houthi Rebels Says US Strike Kills 2 as Trump’s Airstrike Video Suggests Higher Death Toll as Bombing Escalates in Yemen

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People gather on the rubble of a house hit by a U.S. strike in Saada, Yemen March 16, 2025. REUTERS/Naif Rahma

U.S. airstrikes in Yemen under President Donald Trump killed at least two people overnight in a Houthi rebel stronghold, the group reported Sunday. However, a bombing video posted by Trump himself suggests the death toll may be significantly higher, possibly including senior rebel leadership.

People gather on the rubble of a house hit by a U.S. strike in Saada, Yemen March 16, 2025. REUTERS/Naif Rahma

The overnight strikes in Saada province reportedly killed two individuals and wounded nine more. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV aired footage showing the destruction of what they identified as a two-story solar power shop. No interior images were released.

The ongoing campaign, launched in response to Houthi attacks on shipping in Middle Eastern waters amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, has killed at least 69 people so far, according to Houthi-released figures. Still, the rebels have not acknowledged any losses among their top military commanders—an assertion challenged by a video Trump shared online.

Early Saturday, Trump posted black-and-white drone footage showing dozens of individuals gathered before a sudden explosion left a massive crater.

“These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack,” Trump said in a post. “Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”

The U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, has not released the footage nor confirmed details of the strike. The White House, however, has stated that over 200 airstrikes have been carried out against the Houthis since mid-March.

Houthi-run SABA news agency reported that the strike hit a social gathering during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Hodeida governorate, killing and wounding “dozens.” While they did not classify the victims as civilians, they claimed the gathering was unrelated to Houthi military operations.

Independent analysts, however, suggest otherwise. Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report cited online condolence messages indicating that a colonel in charge of police stations in Hodeida and his two brothers were killed in the strike highlighted by Trump.

“The targeting has clearly expanded—reaching into new governorates, communications hubs, leadership residences, and underground tunnel networks,” al-Basha told the Associated Press. “This marks a significant escalation.”

An AP review finds the current U.S. campaign under Trump more extensive than during the Biden administration. Rather than solely targeting missile launch sites, American strikes now focus on mid- to high-level Houthi personnel and infrastructure within cities.

The shift followed renewed threats from the Houthis to attack “Israeli” ships over Gaza-related tensions. Their broad definition of what qualifies as an Israeli-linked ship has alarmed global shipping routes.

Since November 2023, Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on commercial vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. Several attempted assaults on U.S. warships were also recorded.

The rebel group, under mounting internal pressure, has used the conflict to raise its regional profile, despite a decade-long civil war and economic crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has linked its escalating air campaign to pressure Iran over its expanding nuclear program.

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