Moscow has continued its strikes on Ukraine's northeastern regions, killing at least two people and injuring dozens in Kharkiv and Sumy. US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about ending the three-year war, while Trump acknowledged that a ceasefire is crucial but warned that if it's not achievable, the US will move forward. Trump had previously promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, but his efforts have been met with little success. Ukraine's President Zelensky condemned the latest attacks, which came just days before Easter, and accused Russia of dragging its feet in negotiations.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1302869-trump-warns-us-could-ditch-ukraine-talks-if-no-progressUS negotiators discussed market barriers with Japan during their first round of bilateral talks, citing automobiles and rice as areas where Tokyo imposes restrictions. The US Trade Representative's annual report highlights these trade barriers, which include a 24% levy on Japanese exports to the US, a 10% universal rate, and a 25% duty on cars. Trump unexpectedly met with Japan's lead negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, in the Oval Office, touting "big progress" despite few specifics being disclosed. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is set to resume talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week in Washington.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358484/japan-considering-soybean-rice-concessions-in-us-tariff-talksBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer had his first phone call with US President Donald Trump since Trump imposed 10% tariffs on UK imports. The two leaders discussed trade issues and reaffirmed their commitment to free and open trade, while also touching on the situations in Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965255-keir-starmer-s-first-phone-call-with-donald-trump-after-us-tariffs-videoUS presidential candidate Donald Trump has made conflicting statements on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In July, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia stated that ending the crisis cannot be achieved in one day. However, Trump's campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung claimed that a top priority in his second term would be to quickly negotiate an end to the war. More recently, Trump himself said he plans to settle the conflict before even taking office, indicating a significant shift in his stance on the issue.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0Ukrainian President Zelensky hinted at more details about alleged Chinese involvement in the conflict, stating Kyiv is ready to discuss the matter. Beijing has maintained a consistent stance on the issue, with Foreign Minister Lin emphasizing efforts for peace talks and a cessation of hostilities. China's neutral position has been disputed by Western governments due to its close ties with Russia, which have provided Moscow with significant economic and diplomatic support.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-says-never-provided-lethal-weapons-to-parties-in-ukraine-war/article69465027.eceUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European countries to trigger the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, which would reinstate UN sanctions on Iran for exceeding its uranium enrichment limit. Iranian officials, including Araghchi, insisted that talks focus solely on lifting sanctions and emphasized their right to enrich uranium as "non-negotiable". The US and Iran are at a critical stage in negotiations, with the option to trigger the mechanism set to expire in October. Analysts had expected discussions on Iran's ballistic missile programme and regional influence, but these were deemed off-limits by Iranian officials.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/04/19/iran-us-to-hold-second-round-of-high-stakes-nuclear-talks-in-romeThe US has resumed air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, with near-daily attacks aimed at disrupting their maritime route and economic infrastructure. The strikes, which have caused significant damage, are seen as a signal to Iran, according to US-based consultant Mohammed Albasha. The Huthis have been attacking Israeli territory and shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the Gaza war began in October 2023, prompting the US military intervention. The attacks have resulted in over 198 deaths since March, with Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists being targeted by US forces to deprive them of illegal revenue.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/19/at-least-80-dead-as-us-strikes-yemen-fuel-port-in-deadliest-attack-of-trumps-campaign-against-houthis/173637US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals when he suggested Ukraine could hand over 'five territories' to Russia during diplomatic talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Élysée Palace. This came as concerns grew about Donald Trump's readiness to draw closer to Russia, contradicting previous statements from his officials who had pursued separate negotiating tracks between the US and Ukraine, and between the US and Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, dubbed an 'Easter truce', which will last until Monday, prompting Ukraine to remain silent on the offer.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14628001/disastrous-attempt-flattery-Donald-Trump-Paris.htmlMoscow has continued its strikes on Ukraine, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more in attacks on Kharkiv and Sumy. US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about ending the three-year war, while Trump insisted he was not being "played" by Moscow. Ukrainian President Zelensky slammed the latest attacks, calling them a "mockery" of his people and cities. The US and European officials met in Paris to discuss a ceasefire, with Rubio stating that Washington needed to figure out whether a ceasefire was "doable in the short term." Trump's administration has been criticized for its handling of the war, with allies alarmed by the repeated use of Moscow's talking points by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/19/trump-threatens-to-quit-ukraine-peace-talks-warns-were-just-going-to-take-a-pass-without-progress/173635