US President Donald Trump has urged a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine's readiness for negotiations, contingent upon a complete ceasefire. This call coincides with the Kremlin's symbolic three-day ceasefire for Russia’s Victory Day, which Ukraine has dismissed as insincere, citing past violations of similar agreements.
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UN secretary-general António Guterres on Monday warned about the global suffocation of human rights due to division and greed. He criticized ongoing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and called for respect of territories and a cease-fire between Palestine and Israel. He also highlighted the negative impacts of climate change and technological exploitation.
US markets faced a significant selloff on Monday due to increasing investor concerns over President Donald Trump's economic policies and the possibility of a recession. Major indices, including the Dow Jones and Nasdaq, saw substantial losses, while Bitcoin also plunged. Tech stocks were particularly hard-hit, reflecting market unease.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris maintained neutrality in the Democratic National Committee chair race but held private conversations with the top candidates without endorsing any. Harris told them that she looked forward to working "closely with the winning candidate as soon as they are elected". There was a louder cheer for Harris than Biden's when her recorded message was played.
German politicians are struggling to respond as former US President Trump pushes actions supporting Russia against Ukraine, creating widespread shock. Trump has demanded payments in natural resources and questioned Ukrainian leadership, forcing Germany to seek new strategies quickly while maintaining support for Ukraine.
Frenchman Dominique Pelicot, convicted in December for organizing the rape of his wife, Gisèle, is now being questioned over an attempted rape and a rape-murder case from the 1990s. Pelicot, 72, is under investigation for the 1991 murder of Sophie Narme and a 1999 attempted rape, with DNA evidence linking him to the latter. Pelicot denies involvement in the 1991 case but admitted the 1999 crime. Concerns have risen about other potential undetected crimes.
During Ramzan, an Indonesian charity offers free tattoo removal services to practicing Muslims wishing to repent. Participants, motivated by religious beliefs and societal pressures, endure the painful laser procedure to align more closely with their faith and improve their social image.
Pope Francis is conscious but in critical condition after suffering a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions due to low platelet counts. The 88-year-old, who has a pre-existing lung condition, remains at risk of sepsis. He was hospitalized on February 14 with a complex respiratory infection. Clinical tests continue, and the main concern for doctors is preventing the onset of sepsis.
President Joe Biden addressed the California wildfires, which have caused significant destruction, during a press briefing. Over 34,000 acres have burned, resulting in 10 deaths and 180,000 residents being evacuated. Biden, joined by Kamala Harris, pledged federal support for recovery efforts. Harris cancelled a foreign trip to assist with the crisis.
Russian drones attacked Odesa, Ukraine, injuring at least three people and hitting civilian infrastructure after a purported Easter ceasefire ended. This attack occurred before a meeting in London to discuss the war, where US involvement hinges on progress. Both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for a spring-summer military campaign, despite failed ceasefire attempts and ongoing long-range attacks.
Pope Francis's death on Easter has reverberated globally, with US Vice-President JD Vance among the last dignitaries to meet him. Vance's visit to the Vatican included a meeting with the Pope, where he expressed concern for his health and exchanged gifts. Following the Pope's passing, both Vance and President Trump issued statements honoring his legacy and contributions.