Category World News

Russia kills 8 civilians in overnight attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv

One of the deadliest strikes since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than three years ago saw the death of at least eight people and injure dozens in a Russian missile attack on Kiev, which resulted in at least eight fatal injuries.

After air raid sirens rang out warning residents to seek shelters before the Russian missile attack, loud blasts rang over the city overnight on Thursday.

Despite the fact that Ukraine has suffered from Russian aerial attacks throughout the conflict, strikes against Kyiv, which has better air defenses than other cities, are less frequent.

Rescuers were tackling apartment block fires while working through the rubble of destroyed buildings at night.

According to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, “Russia has launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv,” eight people died and dozens more were hurt, according to the country’s State Emergency Service on Telegram.

Six children were among the at least 42 hospitalized, according to the report.

Overnight, Russia carried out a significant attack on Kharkiv, which is located in the northeast of the country. At least seven missiles were fired at the city, according to Harkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov.

One of the most recent strikes struck a densely populated residential area, and there were two injuries there. Terekhov urged the city’s residents to “be careful” while “the inspection of the sites of enemy strikes is in progress.

Separately, the Ministry of Defense of Russia reported that 45 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Crimea, a peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014, overnight.

efforts to end the conflict

Hours after President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for rejecting Moscow’s request for a ceasefire, the attacks cast yet more doubt on US efforts to persuade them to agree to a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy’s request for a full and unconditional ceasefire has not yet been accepted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who rejected a US-Ukrainian request last month.

As Russia launched its attack overnight, one of Zelenskyy’s top advisers, Andriy Yermak, said, “Putin shows only a desire to kill.” He continued, “The attacks on civilians must stop.”

Russia has launched a number of its most deadly aerial attacks on Ukraine in the past month, defying Trump’s demands to put an end to the bloodshed right away.

At least 35 people were killed on April 13 in a ballistic missile attack in Sumy’s center, and at least 19 were killed in an early April attack on Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rig.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader demanded an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.”

As Zelenskyy’s top officials met with US and European officials in London, Zelenskyy declared on social media that “topping the killings is the number one task.”

Hours prior to the attack, Trump had criticized Zelenskyy for being “harder” to negotiate with and said a peace deal was “very close” and “closed with Moscow.”

Trump claimed that the president of Ukraine’s refusal to accept US demands for a ceasefire will only serve to “prolong the “killing field”

“I believe there is a deal with Russia,” she said. Trump reaffirmed to reporters that a deal must be reached with Zelenskyy. I anticipated dealing with Zelenskyy to be simpler. It has been more difficult so far.

Zein Basravi, a reporter from Kyiv, reported that the Ukrainians he spoke to after the attack on Thursday “are incredibly frustrated.”

Many people in this room don’t even want to hear the question, according to Trump when questioned about his seven-point peace plan. Trump should keep quiet, he said.

DR Congo, M23 rebels announce ceasefire after peace talks in Qatar

According to their joint statement, the DRC government and M23 rebels supported by Rwanda have agreed to stop fighting while attempting to reach a more comprehensive peace agreement.

After a round of negotiations in Qatar’s capital Doha, a truce was announced late on Wednesday, giving hope that the most recent wave of violence, which was sparked by M23’s bloody assault and capture of the DRC’s two largest cities, will soon end.

Both parties reiterate their commitment to a complete end to hostilities, a categorical end to any hate speech and intimidation, and to calling on local communities to uphold these commitments, according to the joint statement.

The “cessation of hostilities” would continue to apply “until their conclusion” and continue for the duration of the talks.

Alain Uaykani, a journalist from the eastern DRC city of Goma, reported that the two parties’ recent failures in negotiations led to a positive change.

He continued to add that reports of ongoing clashes, including in South Kivu province, demonstrate how “fragile” any truce agreement is.

Following the Gulf state’s successful mediating of a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame last month, Qatar is facilitating peace efforts.

The meeting appeared to have opened the door for direct discussions between Kinshasa and M23, who Kinshasa had previously declined to meet with.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide, where M23 consisted primarily of ethnic Tutsi fighters, is the root of the decades-long conflict.

Many of the former rebels who later defected, citing discrimination and broken peace agreements, were former rebels who had been incorporated into the DRC army.

At least six truces between the two parties that ended up being broken have been reached since 2021. Taus thousands have been killed in the most recent violent incident since January, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Rwanda has long denied providing military assistance, despite accusations from the DRC, the UN, and other Western governments that Rwanda supports M23 with troops and arms.

“Crystal step”

Some DRC governments and M23 sources, according to the Reuters news agency, expressed frustration with the pace of the negotiations despite the truce statement.

The outcome almost erupted due to disagreements over potential confidence-building measures, such as the release of DRC-held prisoners accused of having connections to Rwanda and M23, according to the sources.

In the end, Qatar managed to persuade the two parties to sign a joint statement promising to keep working on a truce, according to diplomats cited by Reuters.

Belgium’s foreign affairs minister, Maxime Prevot, stated on Wednesday in a post on X that “this is a crucial step toward ending the violence.”

Trump Tariffs: What products do the EU and US buy from each other?

The United States purchases goods worth more than it purchases from the 27 member nations of the European Union (EU).

US President Donald Trump wants to close the $ 236 billion trade deficit.

The US imposed a 20% tariff on imported goods from the EU on April 2 in an effort to close the trade gap and boost domestic production.

Steel, aluminum, and cars are also subject to a 25% US tariff.

Retaliatory tariffs on $ 23. 8 billion worth of US goods were a response to the EU’s decision, according to EU officials who described the US tariffs as “unjustified and damaging”.

What goods are sold in the US to the EU?

The US and EU traded close to $1 trillion in 2024, making it the US’s largest trading partner.

According to the US International Trade Commission, the US primarily exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, and aircraft to the EU.

(Al Jazeera)

In 2024, the US sold $370.2bn worth of goods to the EU. Among the main exports are:

  • Mineral fuels make up 21.3 percent of all exports, or $78.9 billion.
  • Pharmaceutical products (39.4 billion dollars) make up 10.6% of exports.
  • $ 36. 6 billion in exports, or 9.9%, for nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances.
  • $35.1 billion in exports, or 9.5 percent, of aircraft, spacecraft, and parts.
  • Equipment for optical, photographic, and cinematographic purposes (33.8% of exports total) accounts for.

What does the US purchase from the EU?

The US primarily purchases non-railway vehicles, including cars, mechanical appliances, and pharmaceuticals from the EU.

INTERACTIVE-US-EU-IMPORTS-1745301477
(Al Jazeera)

The US purchased goods from the EU for $605.8 billion in 2024. Among the main imports are:

  • Pharmaceutical products make up 21% of all imports, accounting for 127.8 billion.
  • Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical goods account for 14.8% of imports, making up 89.8 billion.
  • Cars and other non-railway vehicles make up 10% of imports ($60.33 billion).
  • 39.3 billion dollars of imports are electrical equipment, or 6.5%.
  • 36.9 billion dollars of total imports are made up of optical, photographic, and cinematographic equipment.

Which US states send goods to the EU most frequently?

Indiana, a state in the middle of Indiana, purchases the majority of all other states from the EU, according to the US International Trade Administration. It bought $49.3bn worth of goods in 2024.

North Carolina purchased $ 39.6 billion in imports from the EU, followed by New Jersey, which imported $ 40.90 billion.

In 2024, Texas exported goods to the EU for an estimated $ 81.5 billion worth of goods. Louisiana has sales of $ 20.8%, followed by California, which is in second place, with $ 20.8%.

Which states import and export the most goods into and out of the EU, according to the table below.

Which US states offer the EU the most products?

15 states have reported this category as their top export, with aerospace-related goods and parts accounting for the majority of US exports to the EU. Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Washington are all included.

Complete aircraft and parts make up aerospace products, with the US notably exporting Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets and Boeing commercial aircraft to the EU.

What does each US state get most of the EU’s goods?

The top 11 US states, including Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, are primarily importers of pharmaceuticals and medicines.

Eight states’ top imports include Alabama, California, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas, while motor vehicle and component imports come in second place.

The US accounts for 22 percent of the EU’s vehicle export market in 2024, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). In comparison, the US accounts for the second-largest market for new EU vehicle exports after the UK.

The Detroit Three automakers, which include General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), will have an average cost of $4, 911 per vehicle for imported vehicle parts, which is higher than the average cost of the industry of $4, 239 per vehicle.

‘No mercy’: Israel keeps blocking aid amid systematic destruction of Gaza

Israel has continued airstrikes on homes and tent shelters for eight weeks while imposing an eight-week ban on food, medicine, and aid on Gaza, furthering what the UN calls the “worst humanitarian crisis” of the conflict.

At least 13 people died in Israeli attacks overnight and early on Thursday morning, according to Al Jazeera correspondents. Three children and four children were among the dead in a tent in central Gaza’s Nuseirat, along with a woman and four children in a home in Gaza City.

Local journalist Saeed Abu Hassanein, whose death reportedly adds to the 232 reported reporters killed in Gaza during the war, was also killed in a recent attack.

According to Tareq Abu Azzoum of Deir el-Balah, in the center of Gaza, “the Gaza Strip is witnessing a soaring humanitarian crisis.” He noted that rescuers are increasingly finding it difficult to reach victims who are trapped beneath wreckage because much of their equipment has been damaged or destroyed.

Israel’s attacks have no pause, mercy, or humanity, according to the Palestinian Authority’s communication center, which governs the occupied West Bank.

An Israeli tank was seen moving through the apparent remains of the Shaboura refugee camp in southern Gaza, according to the statement.

The destruction never ends in the Shaboura refugee camp, the center claimed, as it does in every other Gazan neighborhood.

Palestinian life is being “destroying”

Israel’s continued aid embargo, which the acting head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described as a “deliberate dismantling of Palestinian life,” adds to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

In its most recent situation update from April 23rd, OCHA stated that “the Gaza Strip is now likely facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the last 18 months since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023.”

The “dangerous and catastrophic” burden on women and children in Gaza was highlighted by the ministry of health’s emphasis on the lack of adequate food, drinking water, and baby formula.

Vietnam, US kick off trade talks as Hanoi seeks relief from Trump’s tariffs

As Hanoi scrambles to avoid a crippling 46 percent tariff announced by US President Donald Trump, Vietnam and the US have reportedly started trade talks.

Nguyen Hong Dien, the trade minister of Vietnam, and Jamieson L. Greer, the US representative for trade, called on Thursday to officially begin their discussions on “bilateral economic and trade issues.”

Nguyen told the ministry that Vietnam wants to form a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with the US and foster “economic and trade relations that are balanced, stable, sustainable, and effective.”

According to Greer, “He noted that Vietnamese ministries and agencies are willing to work together with the US to find reasonable solutions that benefit both sides, based on the spirit of harmonized interests and shared risks,” and that the two parties “will soon find suitable solutions to foster stable and mutually beneficial economic and trade relations.

The World Bank estimates that Vietnam’s exports will account for more than 87 percent of the country’s GDP in 2023, making it one of the most trade-dependent nations.

One of the highest tax rates imposed on a trading partner by Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs is the 46 percent one imposed on Vietnamese exports.

Vietnamese exports, like those from dozens of other nations, have been subject to a 10% duty since Trump announced a 90-day pause on the majority of his strictest tariffs on April 9.

NBA playoffs: Warriors lose despite Curry heroics; Celtics beat Orlando

The Boston Celtics, the defending champions, have outlasted Orlando to maintain their series lead over the Miami Heat while the Cleveland Cavaliers maintain their series lead over the Miami Heat.

In Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, the Celtics defeated the visiting Magic 109-100 on Wednesday thanks to Jaylen Brown’s game-high 36 points.

The second-seeded Celtics, who currently lead the best-of-seven series by 2-0, added 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Coach Joe Mazzulla for the Celtics described Brown as “great and consistent throughout the season.” He “can take it to a whole new level of mental and physical maturity,” he said for his team tonight. In the end, he’s willing to do anything to help us triumph.

Early in the fourth quarter, Orlando rallied to within five points with an 8-0 run, but the Magic never got any closer.

Magic forward Franz Wagner said, “I thought we played with a lot of heart and a lot of character.” We scored a lot of runs in the game.

Due to a bone bruise, Tatum, who had a regular season average of 26.8 points per game, was unable to play in Game 2. In the fourth quarter of Boston’s 103-86 Game 1 victory on Sunday, he was hit to the floor as he headed for the basket. Tatum made a second appearance for the team before the team’s final injury report declared him out, but he was still listed as doubtful for Game 2.

The Celtics also had double figures in scoring: Derrick White (17), Payton Pritchard (14) and Jrue Holiday (11).

For Game 3, which will take place on Friday, the series moves to Orlando.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said, “It doesn’t become a series until the home team loses.” Our audience is among the best in the country. We will need that energy, of course.

In Game Two of the Western Conference first-round NBA Playoffs, Houston’s win over the Golden State Warriors [Tim Warner/Getty Images via AFP] [Getty Images]

In the other games, East-top seed Cleveland defeated visiting Miami 121-112 to extend its lead over the Cavs’ 2-0 series lead on Saturday in Miami.

Jalen Green scored 38 points for the hosts Rockets as they defeated the Golden State Warriors 109-94 on Saturday to end their Western Conference series 1-1.

Losing Jimmy Butler III late in the first quarter made the seventh-seeded Warriors’ experience more painful. He had to travel to an MRI for the remainder of the game before going home.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “Jimmy always says he’ll be fine.” However, the MRI requires us to wait and see.

Houston, which had a lead of up to 20 points in the second half, never lost, and fought back against every rally attempt by Golden State.

Houston “played great,” according to Kerr. They were actually physically assaulted. They used a lot of defensive force to enter. … It was their night. On both ends of the floor, they had a fantastic game.

Golden State relied heavily on its 3-point shooting and went 17-for-43 from long range (39.5%), which was a significant improvement over the versatile Butler. Golden State struggled to elicit enough offense, which was combined with a subpar 11-of-18 free-throw line effort.

With 20 points, Stephen Curry led the Warriors. Alperen Sengun, a Turkish star, added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Houston.