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UK MEN CONVICTED OF RUSSIAN-BACKED ARSON ATTACK ON UKRAINE-LINKED WAREHOUSE

A London court has convicted three men of a deliberate arson attack on a warehouse that supplied aid to Ukraine. The attack, which caused significant damage, was linked to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Jakeem Rose, Ugnius Asmena, and Nii Mensah were found guilty of aggravated arson with intent to endanger life. The court heard that the men had been recruited by Dylan Earl, who had ties to the Wagner Group. The warehouse, which stored humanitarian aid and goods bound for Ukraine, was targeted in the attack. CCTV footage and livestream video showed the men setting the warehouse ablaze, causing extensive damage. Prosecutors said the attack was part of a larger plot to disrupt Ukraine’s supply chain and support Russia’s interests. The men were motivated by their allegiance to the Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to the Russian state. The convictions highlight the growing concern over Russian interference in the UK and the use of proxy agents to carry out covert operations. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of such offenses and the potential consequences for those involved. The case demonstrates the UK’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in hostile activities on its soil.

TRUMP ORDERS RESUMPTION OF WEAPONS SHIPMENTS TO UKRAINE AFTER ABRUPT PAUSE

In a sudden change of posture, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will resume sending weapons to Ukraine, just days after ordering a pause in critical weapons deliveries to Kyiv. The pause had come as a surprise to Ukrainian officials and other allies, with the Pentagon citing concerns that stockpiles had declined too much. “We have to,” Trump said. “They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily.” The decision to resume shipments comes as Ukraine faces increasing and more complex air barrages from Russia, with recent attacks killing at least 11 civilians and injuring over 80 others, including seven children. The Pentagon affirmed that, under Trump’s direction, the US will ensure Ukrainians can defend themselves while working towards a lasting peace. “We’re going to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. However, Parnell added that the framework for evaluating military shipments worldwide will continue as part of “America First” defense priorities. Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “I’m not happy with President Putin at all.” The US is also considering imposing new sanctions against Russia’s oil industry to prod Putin into peace talks. Senator Lindsey Graham revealed that Trump has given him the green light to push forward with a bill imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, which could have significant implications for China and India. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has signed deals with European allies and a US defense company to boost drone production, aiming to receive “hundreds of thousands” more drones this year. “Air defense is the main thing for protecting life,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. The situation on the ground remains dire, with Russian drone attacks targeting multiple regions in Ukraine, resulting in casualties and damage. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 91 Ukrainian drones in 13 Russian regions overnight.

UKRAINIAN FORCES CAPTURE NIGERIAN MERCENARY FIGHTING FOR RUSSIA

Ukrainian forces have apprehended a 29-year-old Nigerian man, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Oluwagbemileke was captured by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit composed of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine, in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke had been living in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges. He allegedly agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence instead of serving a prison sentence under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. “Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the organisation stated. “We’ve already published data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but that’s only a small part of the foreigners the Kremlin has sent to die in Ukraine. All of them are cheap manpower, which is not spared.” During his interrogation, Oluwagbemileke expressed deep regret for joining the Russian army, stating, “Of course, I regret it… It’s broken,” while pointing to his wounds. He also revealed that his family in Nigeria was unaware of his involvement in the war. The Ukrainian forces have been documenting cases of foreign nationals fighting for Russia, including other Africans, such as citizens from Ghana and Cameroon. This development highlights Russia’s ongoing recruitment of foreign prisoners and vulnerable migrants as expendable manpower in its invasion of Ukraine, a strategy that has drawn global condemnation. In a video released by the Freedom of Russia Legion, Oluwagbemileke can be seen being interrogated, where he confirms that he joined the Russian army for “quick liberation” from prison. The Ukrainian interrogator noted that most members of his unit had been killed or wounded, and Oluwagbemileke thanked the Freedom of Russia Legion for saving his life and providing medical care.

GLOBAL LEADERS PUSH FOR CEASEFIRE IN UKRAINE AS TALKS WITH RUSSIA LOOM

A 30-day ceasefire proposal between Russia and Ukraine has gained momentum, with European leaders urging Russia to agree to an unconditional truce starting Monday or face “new and massive” sanctions. The proposal, initially floated by the US in March, has been endorsed by world leaders, including UK’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Poland’s Donald Tusk. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded with a counter-proposal, suggesting direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next Thursday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that a ceasefire must come first, saying, “There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — full, lasting and reliable — starting tomorrow.” Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, reiterated that Kyiv will only engage in talks if Moscow agrees to the ceasefire, stating, “First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to host the negotiations, telling Putin that a “window of opportunity” has opened for peace. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Turkey around the time of the proposed meeting, joining an informal gathering of NATO foreign ministers to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the recent truce. Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik expressed skepticism about Putin’s offer, saying Russia hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to end the war. “Once you take out a knife in a fight, you need to go ahead and show Russia that the West means business,” she said, calling for Western allies to stand firm and support Ukraine with arms. Pope Leo XIV has also weighed in, calling for “no more war” in his first Sunday message. US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “A BIG week upcoming!” and expressed his desire to see an end to the conflict, saying he wants to stop the “bloodbath” between Russia and Ukraine.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT: PUTIN DECLARES EASTER TRUCE, BUT FIGHTING CONTINUES

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 30-hour Easter truce in Ukraine, citing “humanitarian considerations.” The truce is set to begin on Friday evening and last until Sunday. However, Ukrainian officials and civilians are skeptical about the ceasefire, with many believing it is just a publicity stunt. According to reports, Ukrainian troops were ordered to hold fire minutes after the truce was announced, but air raid sirens have been heard in Ukraine, and Russian attacks continue on several frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions.” Zelensky also urged Putin to extend the truce beyond the 30-hour period, saying it would reveal Russia’s true intentions. “Thirty days could give peace a chance,” he added. The Ukrainian president emphasized that there is no trust in words coming from Moscow, given Russia’s history of manipulating ceasefires. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation in Ukraine, claimed Russia has not ceased hostilities despite the truce announcement. “There is NO truce: in all directions, the Russian Federation continues to fire, as before,” he said. The proposed truce comes after a 30-day ceasefire deal was agreed between Ukraine and the US, but Russia declined its terms. Putin’s declaration of a unilateral truce may be an attempt to convince the White House that Russia is serious about ending the war. Civilians in Ukraine are also expressing skepticism about the truce. “He only knows how to get things done using force,” said Kyiv resident Tetiana Solovei, referring to Putin. “Tonight, in Ukraine and especially in Kyiv, we expect missiles. There will be no ceasefire.”

EUROPE MOBILIZES FOR UKRAINE PEACE DEAL AS LEADERS REJECT LIFTING RUSSIA SANCTIONS

European leaders gathered in Paris for a summit of Kyiv’s allies, declaring unity and strength in support of Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Europe is mobilizing on a scale “not seen for decades” to sustain a future peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a “reassurance force” to be deployed to Ukraine once a ceasefire is secured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, dressed in military attire, urged the U.S. to take a stronger stance against Russia and respond to Moscow’s violations of agreements. He confirmed no plans to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump as Ukrainian and American teams negotiate a deal on rare earth minerals. Zelensky expressed optimism after the summit, saying he felt “motivated” by the discussions. Leaders at the summit agreed that lifting sanctions on Russia now would be a mistake. The talks also addressed tensions over a proposed maritime truce in the Black Sea, with Moscow demanding Western restrictions on its food and fertilizer trade be lifted first—a condition Zelensky rejected as unrelated to the ceasefire agreement. Starmer accused Russia of manipulating peace talks, calling it “a classic from the Putin playbook.” The summit, attended by 30 nations, emphasized European solidarity, with Starmer stressing that while European commitment is strong, U.S. support remains crucial for a lasting ceasefire.

UKRAINE AND US HOLD TALKS IN SAUDI ARABIA AMID ONGOING CONFLICT WITH RUSSIA

Talks between Ukraine and the US are underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting, which began with a “very constructive” tone, according to President Zelensky’s aide Andriy Yermak, aims to rebuild trust between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the meeting, saying it would be “good”. The talks follow a series of drone attacks on Russia overnight, which killed at least three people. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said the attacks showed Ukraine’s capability to carry out a “very serious” attack on Russia. “This is a message that we have, at least, cards,” he said. The meeting in Jeddah is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding relations between Ukraine and the US, following a fiery exchange between President Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. As the talks continue, Ukraine’s military has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks on Russia, saying they struck “a number of strategic objects”, including a production capacity of the Moscow oil refinery.

UKRAINE PRESIDENT ZELENSKY READY TO GIVE UP PRESIDENCY FOR NATO MEMBERSHIP

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a shocking statement, saying he is willing to give up his presidency in exchange for Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Zelensky made this comment during a news conference, adding that being president for a decade is not his “dream,” and he would step down if it meant bringing peace to Ukraine. This statement comes on the heels of a large-scale drone attack launched by Russia across Ukraine, just a day before the third anniversary of the war. Ukraine’s foreign minister has warned that “no one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead.” The recent Russian drone assault has been described as “like no other,” according to reports. In a surprising turn of events, Zelensky has also expressed willingness to discuss sharing Ukraine’s rare earth minerals with the United States. Previously, he had rejected the US demands, but now says “we are ready to speak about minerals” and “we are ready to share.” However, Zelensky emphasized that the US needs to take action to make Russian President Putin “end this war.” He reiterated that Ukraine requires security guarantees and that the draft deals offered so far are not satisfactory. Despite this, Zelensky noted that talks are progressing.

ZELENSKY CALLS FOR “ARMY OF EUROPE” TO GUARD AGAINST RUSSIA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the creation of an “army of Europe” to defend against Russia, citing concerns that the US may no longer come to Europe’s aid. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky stated, “I really believe the time has come – the armed forces of Europe must be created… An army, an army of Europe.” Zelensky’s comments come after US Vice President JD Vance warned that Europe needs to “step up in a big way” on defense. The Ukrainian president also expressed concerns about US President Donald Trump’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which they discussed peace talks regarding Ukraine without involving European leaders. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would “never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement.” He also criticized Putin’s efforts to isolate the US in “one-on-one” talks, saying, “Next, Putin will try to get the US president standing on Red Square 9 May this year, not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance.” The concept of a European army has been proposed by other leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky’s call for a unified European military comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its three-year anniversary.