Third parties trying to derail US-Russia talks – Putin envoy

"Certain countries want to throw a wrench into the normalization of Russian-American relations, President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has said. He made his comment during a rare trip to Washington, where he met with top US officials.
“Different countries are trying to derail this dialogue, derail the restoration of the Russian-American relations,” Dmitriev told reporters on Thursday evening." RT

156 clashes on front lines in past day

"As many as 156 combat engagements were recorded on the front lines on Thursday, April 3, with the majority taking place in the Pokrovsk and Toretsk sectors.
Russian airstrikes targeted areas including Stepok, Myropilske, Pokrovka, Petrushivka, Velyka Pysarivka, Turia, Prokhody, Krasnopillia, Riasne, Velykyi Prykil, and Mykhailivske in the Sumy region; Mykolaivka in the Chernihiv region; Pokrovsk, Novopil, and Voskresenka in the Donetsk region; and Sichneve, Velykomykhailivka, Malynivka, and Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kharkiv sector, Russian forces launched four assaults near Kamianka and the Vovchansk area.

In the Kupiansk sector, five Russian attacks were recorded. Ukrainian forces repelled assaults near Zahryzove, Petropavlivka, and in the direction of Nova Kruhliakivka.
In the Lyman sector, Russian troops attempted 19 assaults near Hrekivka, Nove, Katerynivka, and toward Novomykhailivka, Torske, and Zelena Dolyna.
In the Siversk sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions near Verkhniokamianske and toward Ivano-Darivka and Vyimka, with four clashes recorded.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled a single attack near Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, Russian forces launched 29 assaults near Krymske, Dachne, Druzhba, Dyliivka, Toretsk, and Leonidivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders held off 57 attacks near Novokalynove, Tarasivka, Yelyzavetivka, Zvirove, Udachne, Preobrazhenka, Sribne, Novoserhiivka, Nadiivka, Uspenivka, Andriivka, and toward Romanivka, Oleksiivka, Vodiane Druhe, Kotliarivka, and Oleksandropil.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian forces repelled nine enemy assaults toward Rozlyv and Kostiantynopil.
In the Huliaipole sector, no offensive actions were reported.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy launched eight unsuccessful assaults near Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, and Kamianske.
In the Dnipro River sector, Russian troops attempted two unsuccessful assaults on Ukrainian positions.
In the Kursk sector, 13 combat engagements were reported. Russian forces conducted 359 artillery strikes — four of them using multiple rocket launchers — and launched 16 airstrikes, deploying 28 guided aerial bombs." Ukrin

Polish President Blasts Hate-Speech Law, Bemoans Push For 'Communist'-Style EU

"As Polish presidential elections near and the term of current President Andrzej Duda comes to an end, the head of state gave an interview to Telewizja Trwam and Radio Maryja. During the segment, Duda covered many topics, including the Sejm’s new so-called hate speech law, which he said he would not sign, saying it is built on lies about “well-established” concepts.
The president also called out the left for being hypocritical.

According to wPolityce, Duda said it is very characteristic that these left-liberal trends, which shout so loudly about tolerance and diversity, are the first to block free speech,” defining language “as they wish” while also “punishing any deviation” from what they say is correct.
This is an ongoing attempt to build a world, a language, on lies, on giving new meaning to concepts that are established,” Duda told the show. “These people are very often people who smoothly transitioned from the communist system and from being members of the communist party, very quickly whitewashed themselves, painted themselves in other colors and started pretending to be great democrats. Before, they served the communists, and then they started pretending to be great libertarians,” he said." ZH

Trump hits Ukraine with 10% tariffs, spares Russia and Belarus

"U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited package of "Liberation Day" tariffs on imported goods, speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House on the evening of April 2.

The U.S. imposed a basic 10% reciprocal tax on imports from all nations and higher tariff rates on dozens of America's largest trading partners, hitting Cambodia particularly hard with a 49% tariff, Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), and 34% on Chinese goods.
A 20% tariff on all goods from European Union countries and 31% on Switzerland.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom get off comparatively lightly with a 10% tariff.
Trump accused other nations of "looting, pillaging, raping and plundering" the US. The tariffs are expected to shave billions off global economic growth.
No tariffs were imposed on Russia and Belarus because, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, no goods from those countries enter the American market." NV

Ukraine conflict ‘on precipice of ceasefire’ – Trump envoy

"The conflict between Kiev and Moscow is close to a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, has said. He stressed that both sides would need to make concessions." RT

216 clashes, including 80 in Pokrovsk axis

"A total of 216 combat engagements have been recorded along the Ukrainian frontlines over the past 24 hours.
Russian airstrikes targeted Turia, Uhroidy, Mykhailivske, Petrushivka, and Myropilske in Sumy region; Kozacha Lopan in Kharkiv region; Pokrovsk, Yablunivka, Oleksandro-Kalynove, Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, Hrodivka, Udachne, Kotliarivka, Novopavlivka, Krasna Poliana, Iskra, Odradne, and Novopil in Donetsk region; Zaliznychne, Huliaipole, and Novodarivka in Zaporizhzhia region.
In the past day, two clashes occurred in the Kharkiv direction in the Vovchansk area and toward Kamianka.

In the Kupiansk direction, four enemy attacks were recorded last day. The Defense Forces repelled assaults in the areas of Zahryzove and Nova Kruhliakivka.
In the Lyman direction, Russian troops attacked 21 times, trying to advance near Nadiia, Torske, Novoyehorivka, Kolodiaz, Yampolivka, Novoliubivka, and Dibrova.
In the Siversk direction, the Defense Forces repelled five assaults in the areas of Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamiansk.
In the Kramatorsk direction, six enemy assaults were reported in the area of ​​Chasiv Yar and toward Novomarkove, Stupochky, and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk direction, the Russian army carried out 28 attacks in the areas of Toretsk, Ozarianivka, Diliivka, Krymske, and Leonidivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukraine’s forces held back 80 Russian attacks in the areas of Panteleimonivka, Sukha Balka, Shevchenko, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Zelene, Novyi Trud, Kotlyne, Udachne, Kotliarivka, Uspenivka, and Andriivka.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Defense Forces repelled 13 enemy assaults in the areas of Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Dniproenerhia, Vesele, and Burlatske.
In the Huliaipole direction near Pryvilne and Novosilka, the Defense Forces repelled five attacks.
In the Orikhiv direction, in the areas of Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamianske, and Novodanylivka, the Russians went for 12 assaults.
In the past day, in the Prydniprovia direction, the Russian army attempted to advance five times.
In the Kursk operational area, Ukraine repelled 28 Russian attacks. The enemy carried out 343 artillery strikes, five of them involving multiple rocket launchers, and 20 airstrikes, dropping 31 KAB glide bombs." Ukrin

Iran Threatens Strike on Strategic U.S. Base in Indian Ocean

"Senior Iranian officials are urging their own military commanders to strike a key U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean in an attempt to send a warning to President Donald Trump, the Telegraph reported.

On Sunday, the UK-based outlet cited a senior Iranian official who said top military leaders are considering a missile attack on Diego Garcia — a British-owned island hosting a major U.S. and UK air base — following the arrival of B-2 stealth bombers.
Known for their ability to evade air defenses and deliver nuclear or conventional payloads, the B-2s could be used in any future strikes against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, according to Iranian state media cited by the Telegraph.
On Sunday, President Trump warned of “bombing the likes of which they have never seen before” if Iran refuses to agree to a new nuclear deal. While aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized he prefers diplomacy but made clear that a military response is on the table. A letter was also sent to Iran’s supreme leader urging talks." 

Breitbart

Ukraine's military says it shot down 41 Russian drones overnight

"Ukraine's air defense forces shot down 41 drones launched by Russia overnight, while 20

enemy UAVs disappeared from radars without causing negating consequences. Starting at 20:00 on April 1, Russian forces launched an attack on Ukraine using 74 Shahed strike drones and various decoy UAVs from multiple directions, including Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Chauda (occupied Crimea)." Ukrin

Musk condemns ‘terrorist’ attack on Tesla dealership in Italy

"A Tesla dealership in Rome, Italy was hit by a fire early Monday morning. At least 17 cars were destroyed, as well as parts of the building.

Police have not apprehended any suspects or named a motive behind it. According to Italian media reports, investigators are considering several theories, including arson.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk condemned the incident as “terrorism,” effectively linking it to the ongoing string of protests and violent attacks against facilities linked to his car company and individual private vehicles. The anti-Tesla violence was initially confined to the U.S., but has recently spread to other parts of the world." RT

176 battles on front lines in past 24 hours

"Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in 176 combat clashes over the past 24 hours.
The aggressor also conducted airstrikes in multiple settlements, including Myropilske, Naumivka, Prokhody, Uhroidy, Krasnopillia, Velykyi Prykil, Turia, Mykhailivske, and Petrushivka in the Sumy region, Zelene Pole in the Donetsk region, and Zaporizke, Novodarivka, Huliaipole, Zaliznychne, and Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kharkiv sector, seven engagements occurred near Vovchansk, Krasne Pershe, Kamianka, and Lypsti.

In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 11 enemy assaults near Pishchane, Stepova Novoselivka, Nova Kruhliakivka, and Zahryzove.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy launched 17 attacks attempting to advance toward Torske, Nove, Myrne, Novomykhailivka, and Zelena Dolyna.
In the Siversk sector, Russian troops launched 15 attacks on Bilohorivka, Ivano-Darivka, Verkhniokamianske, Serebrianka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled three enemy assaults near Chasiv Yar, Kurdiumivka, and toward Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, 14 Russian attacks were repelled near Leonidivka, Dachne, Shcherbynivka, Toretsk, and toward Dyliivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders halted 64 enemy assaults near Kalynove, Tarasivka, Berezivka, Zelene, Kotlyne, Oleksandropil, Sribne, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Udachne, Novooleksandrivka, Andriivka, as well as toward Bohdanivka, Novoserhiivka, Romanivka, and Pokrovsk.
In the Novopavlivka sector, eight enemy attacks were repelled near Kostiantynopil and Rozlyv.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian troops attacked five times near Pryvilne and toward Novopil.
In the Orikhiv sector, five failed enemy assaults were recorded near Novodanylivka and Stepove.
In the Dnipro River sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled four attacks.
In the Kursk sector, 18 combat engagements were recorded. The enemy conducted 265 artillery strikes (including two from multiple rocket launchers) and 27 airstrikes, dropping 41 guided aerial bombs." 

Ukrin

Top German Politicians Are Calling For Resumption Of Russian Gas

"Senior German politicians are already calling for a resumption of ties with Russia. For example Michael Kretschmer, a senior member of Friedrich Merz’s centre-right Christian Democrats, is now arguing that EU sanctions on Russia are "completely out of date" as they increasingly openly contradict "what the Americans are doing."
Financial Times in a fresh report quoted Kretschmer's words to the German press agency DPA as follows: "When you realize that you’re weakening yourself more than your opponent, then you have to think about whether all of this is right." ZeroHedge

Ukraine places Movie star on ‘kill list’

"A Russian actor who starred in the Oscar-winning movie 'Anora’ has been listed on the notorious Ukrainian state-linked Mirotvorets (Peacemaker) database. Mark Eydelshteyn has been accused of attacking “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

The controversial database lists individuals who supposedly pose a threat to Ukrainian national security, and has been branded a ‘kill list’ due to the number of people featured on it who have died under suspicious circumstances.
Eydelshteyn, 23, was listed for a supposed attack on Ukraine’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “repeated deliberate violation of the state border of Ukraine” by visiting Crimea, which joined Russia in 2014.
According to Russian media, the accusation may stem from Eydelshteyn’s participation in the movie ‘The Land of Sasha’, released in 2022, which was shot on the peninsula." RT

Le Pen conviction ‘a very big deal’ – Trump

"U.S. President Donald Trump has said the criminal prosecution of French opposition leader Marine Le Pen reminds him of his own legal battles under the administration of former President Joe Biden.

On Monday, Le Pen, the former leader of the conservative National Rally (RN) party, was sentenced to four years in prison, two of which will be suspended, and was barred from holding public office for five years. The embezzlement conviction effectively bars her from the 2027 presidential race.
Asked by reporters in the Oval Office about the verdict, Trump replied, “That’s a very big deal.”
“I know all about it, and a lot of people thought she wasn’t going to be convicted of anything,” he said.
“But she was banned [from] running for five years, and she’s the leading candidate. That sounds very much like this country.”
Trump has often claimed that the court cases and investigations into his activities were part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” led by the Biden administration and the Democrats." RT

France’s Le Pen sentenced to four years in jail

"A Paris court has sentenced French right-wing politician Marine Le Pen to a four-year jail term, half of which is without parole, in a case involving the embezzlement of EU funds for her National Rally (RN) party. Le Pen has also been barred from running for president in 2027." RT

171 clashes, Pokrovsk axis hottest

"A total of 171 combat engagements have been recorded across the Ukrainian front lines over the past day.
The Russian army launched airstrikes, in particular in the areas of Myropilske and Krasnopillia in Sumy region; Kupiansk in Kharkiv region; Novopavlivka, Preobrazhenka in Donetsk region; Novodarivka, Novopil, Zelene Pole, Huliaipole and Zaliznychne in Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops held back four Russian attacks in the areas of Vovchansk, Kamianka, and Krasne Pershe.

In the Kupiansk direction, six Russian attacks were reported. The defense forces repelled assault attempts in the direction of Radkivka, Pishchane, Bohuslavka, Petropavlivka, and near Zahryzove.
In the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked 16 times, trying to advance near Nadiia, Yampolivka, Kolodyazi, and toward Bohuslavka, Nove, and Novomykhailivka.
In the Siversk direction, Russian troops attacked Ukraine’s positions five times near Verkhniokamianske and Ivano-Daryivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, two clashes with Russian troops were recorded near Stupochky and toward Bila Hora.
In the Toretsk direction, the enemy launched 17 attacks in the areas of Krymske, Toretsk, and toward Diliivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, the Defense Forces stopped 73 offensive attempts by the Russian army in the areas of Oleksandropil, Kalynove, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelene, Kotlyne, Udachne, Andriivka, as well as toward Malynivka, Kotliarivka, Bohdanivka and Oleksiivka.
In the Novopavlivka direction, the Defense Forces held back 11 Russian attacks near Kostiantynopil and toward Rozlyv and Vesele.
In the Huliaipole direction, the invaders launched two attacks near Pryvilne and toward Vilne Pole.
In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked four times near Mali Shcherbaky and Stepove.
In the Prydniprovia direction, the Russian army went for two offensive attempts towards Sadove, seeing no success.
In the operational zone within Russia’s Kursk region, Ukraine’s Defense Forces held back 21 Russian attacks. The enemy carried out 20 airstrikes using 31 guided bombs, and 347 artillery attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and at settlements, including five involving multiple launch rocket systems." 

Ukrin

Ukrainian partisans burn Russian electronic warfare system in Kherson Oblast

"Ukrainian partisans set fire to Russia’s Lorandit electronic warfare complex in Kherson Oblast. Ukrainian resistance forces in Kherson Oblast destroyed a Russian military truck equipped with an electronic warfare system, according to intelligence reports." NV

Gunman opens fire from rooftop in Russian Arctic city

"A gunman opened fire from the rooftop of a multistory building in central Murmansk late Sunday, prompting a rapid response from Russian law enforcement and National Guard units. The attacker, who appeared to be acting alone, barricaded himself with barbed wire and began shooting indiscriminately at nearby buildings and police vehicles.

Gunfire was first heard around 22:00 local time, according to residents of the northern Russian city. Eyewitnesses said the shooter fired at residential windows and law enforcement patrols before authorities cordoned off the area.
Special Forces and National Guard units quickly arrived on the scene, while Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis urged residents to turn off their apartment lights and stay away from windows for safety.
The gunman was eventually “neutralized” after security forces stormed the rooftop. Investigators say the incident began when the suspect opened fire on a police patrol car. According to the Telegram channel Mash, the man made no demands prior to the attack." RT

104 clashes on front lines today as fighting intensifies near Pokrovsk

"Since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian forces have engaged in 104 combat clashes with Russian troops, with intense battles ongoing in the Pokrovsk sector, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repelled 31 attacks.

In the Kharkiv sector, Russian troops launched two assaults near Vovchansk and toward Krasne Pershe.

In the Kupiansk sector, five Russian attacks targeted Radkivka, Pishchane, Bohuslavka, and Zahryzove. Two clashes are ongoing.
In the Lyman sector, 11 Russian assaults occurred near Nadiia, Yampolivka, Kolodiazi, Nove and Novomykhailivka. Six battles are still raging.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian forces are repelling four attacks near Verkhniokamianske and Ivano-Darivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, two Russian attempts to advance near Stupochky and toward Bila Hora were thwarted.
In the Toretsk sector, nine Russian attacks took place near Krymske, Toretsk, and toward Dyliivka. Two clashes continue.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Russian forces launched 43 attacks near Oleksandropil, Kalynove, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelenе, Kotlyne, Udachne, Andriivka, as well as toward Malynivka, Kotliarivka, Bohdanivka, and Oleksiivka. Ukrainian forces have already repelled 31 of these assaults, and fighting remains intense.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions eight times near Kostiantynopil and Rozlyv. Four clashes are ongoing.
In the Huliaipole sector, two Russian attacks were recorded near Pryvilne and toward Vilne Pole. Russian aircraft also struck Novodarivka, Novopil, Zelene Pole, Huliaipole, and Zaliznychne.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian attacks near Mali Shcherbaky and Stepove. One battle is ongoing.
In the Dnipro River sector, Russian troops launched two unsuccessful assaults toward Sadove.
In Russia's Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have repelled nine Russian attacks, with three battles still ongoing. Russian forces carried out 14 airstrikes, dropping 21 guided bombs on Ukrainian positions and settlements. Additionally, they launched 180 artillery strikes, including five using multiple launch rocket systems." Ukrin

'Very Angry' Trump Goes Off on Putin Over Ukraine in NBC Interview—in No Uncertain (Salty) Terms

"In what amounted to a fortuitous opportunity for President Donald Trump to distance his beliefs from those of Russian President
Vladimir Putin over the Russia-Ukraine War, Trump went off on Putin during a phone interview, which was aired by NBC News on Sunday.
While Trump critics have accused Trump of everything from siding with Putin against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the war to being little more than Putin's puppet, Trump came out of the gate in no uncertain terms during the interview, saying he was "very angry" and "p***** off," and telling NBC that Putin's comments are not "going in the right direction."
As Agence France-Presse reported on Friday, Putin is now calling for a Ukrainian transitional government to replace Zelensky.
Trump told NBC:
"If I feel, if we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, p***** off, when Putin said yesterday that … you know, when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right location, you understand? If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.
That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil — a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil."
Strong words — albeit with a bit of hedging. Diplomacy?"
RedState

Russia attacks Kharkiv with drones

"Russia launched a wave of Shahed kamikaze drones against Ukraine in the night with Kharkiv suffering some of the worst damage. Explosions rocked the city within the first hour of the attack, leaving at least two people dead and more than 30 others injured, including five children." NV

223 clashes on front lines in past day

"Ukrainian forces engaged in 223 combat clashes with Russian invaders.
Enemy airstrikes targeted multiple settlements, including Mykhailivske, Naumivka, Stepok, Prokhody, Petrushivka, Uhroidy, Krasnopillia, and Myropilske in the Sumy region; Slatyne in the Kharkiv region; Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, Oleksandropil, Sukhyi Yar, Poltavka, Kozatske, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Chunyshyne, Hryshyne, Novooleksandrivka, Novopavlivka, Zelenyi Hai, Piddubne, Zelene Pole, and Novopil in the Donetsk region; and Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kharkiv sector, Ukrainian forces repelled four enemy attacks near Vovchansk and Kamianka.
In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled six enemy attacks in the direction of Pishchane, Petropavlivka, and near Zahryzove.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy carried out 23 attacks, attempting to advance near Nadiia, Yampolivka, Kolodiazi, Torske, and in the directions of Nove, Olhivka, and Novomykhailivka.
In the Siversk sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions three times near Ivano-Darivka and Pereizne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, 13 clashes were recorded in the areas of Maiske, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Predtechyne, Bila Hora, near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Kurdiumivka.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy made 19 attacks near Krymske, Toretsk, and in the direction of Dyliivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 93 offensive actions by the aggressor outside of the settlements of Novotoretske, Panteleimonivka, Oleksandropil, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novoserhiivka, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Sribne, Andriivka, as well as in the direction of Kotliarivka.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 15 attacks on Ukrainian positions near Kostiantynopil, Skudne, and in the direction of Rozlyv.
In the Huliaipole sector, the occupiers carried out nine attacks near Pryvilne, Novosilka, and in the direction of Novopillia.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy made two attacks near the settlements of Kamianske and Lobkove.
In the Dnipro River sector, the enemy launched two unsuccessful offensive actions towards Sadove and Prydniprovske.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces stopped 31 attacks by Russian invaders. Additionally, the enemy carried out 18 airstrikes using 23 guided bombs and made 265 artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions and populated areas, including ten from multiple launch rocket systems." Ukrin

Putin’s Limo Explodes In Front of FSB Headquarters Three Days After Zelensky Predicted Russian President’s Imminent Death

"One of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s limos exploded near

Moscow’s FSB secret service headquarters Saturday, according to reports.
The vehicle is believed to be part of Putin’s official car fleet. Notably, just three days ago on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Putin “will die soon” and the ongoing war “will come to an end.”

Coinciding with this major provocation, the UK & France have announced the deployment of troops to Ukraine." 

IW

Ukrainian man stabs five in central Amsterdam

"The man who stabbed five people in central Amsterdam has been identified as a 30-year-old

Ukrainian citizen from Donetsk. Amsterdam police detained a man at the scene of a knife attack near Dam Square and later identified him as a Ukrainian citizen. The suspect checked into a hotel in Amsterdam the day before the attack. The victims include two elderly Americans, a 26-year-old Polish citizen, a 73-year-old Belgian woman, and a 19-year-old Dutch woman." NV

Hamas accepts new hostage deal, which Israel counters with demand for additional captives

"At least five hostages held by Hamas, including New Jersey native Edan Alexander, could be freed under new cease-fire proposals, officials said Saturday as tens of thousands of protestors flooded Israeli streets demanding the release of all captives.
The terror group agreed to release the five hostages, who were kidnapped in its Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, in exchange for a 50-day cease-fire over the Eid al-Fitr holiday and continuing through Passover.
The proposal, put forward by Egypt after continued pressure from the US over the impasse, also calls for the release of Palestinian prisoners." ms

Thousands march in Paris against military aid to Ukraine

"Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Paris on Saturday, protesting

French President Emmanuel Macron’s and NATO’s militaristic approach to the Ukraine conflict.
On Wednesday, Macron announced a new €2 billion ($2.16 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, after weeks of attempting to drum up support for his initiative to send Western troops as peacekeepers to the country. The new arms will include surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles and drones, the French leader said." RT

198 clashes on frontline

"Nearly 200 combat clashes occurred between Ukraine's Defense Forces and Russian invaders on the frontlines.
In the Kharkiv sector, Ukrainian troops repelled two attacks by the enemy near Vovchansk and towards Kamianka. One battle is still ongoing. The enemy launched airstrikes on the village of Slatyne.

In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy conducted six assaults on the Ukrainian positions near Pishchane, Petropavlivka, and Zahryzove. The Ukrainian defenders repelled five attacks, with one battle still ongoing.
In the Lyman sector, throughout the day, Russian forces carried out 23 assaults near Nadiia, Yampolivka, Kolodiazi, Torske, and towards Nove, Olhivka, and Novomykhailivka. Five clashes are still unresolved.
In the Siversk sector, Russian forces launched three assaults near Ivano-Darivka and Pereyizne. Two attacks were successfully repelled by Ukrainian forces, while one battle continues.
In the Kramatorsk sector, there were 13 clashes near Maiske, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Predtechyne, Bila Hora, Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Kurdiumivka.
In the Toretsk sector, Russian troops attempted 18 assaults on the Ukrainian defensive positions, focusing on Krymske, Toretsk, and towards Dyliivka. All attacks were repelled.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Russians attempted to break through the Ukrainian defenses 73 times near Novotoretske, Panteleimonivka, Oleksandropil, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novoserhiivka, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Sribne, Andriivka, and towards Kotliarivka. Four clashes are still ongoing. Airstrikes targeted Oleksievo-Druzhkivka, Oleksandropil, Sukhyi Yar, Poltavka, Kozatske, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Chunyshyne, Hryshyne, Novooleksandrivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Novopavlivka sector, the enemy launched 15 attacks near Kostiantynopil, Skudne, and towards Rozlyv. The Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled all the attacks. The enemy also conducted airstrikes on Zelenyi Hai and Piddubne.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian forces conducted nine attacks near Pryvilne, Novosilka, and towards Novopil, and carried out airstrikes on Huliaipole, Novopil, and Zelene Pole.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian forces attempted two assaults near Kamianske and Lobkove.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the enemy launched two attacks towards Sadove and Prydniprovske, both of which were unsuccessful.
In the Kursk operational zone, Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled 31 enemy attacks throughout the day. The enemy also launched 17 airstrikes using 22 guided bombs and conducted 254 artillery strikes, including eight MLRS attacks, on Ukrainian positions and settlements." Ukrin

Zelensky: Putin ‘Will Die Soon’ And The War Will End

"Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky predicts the death of Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin “soon”, stating the invasion of his country would then have to end.
He said: “He will die soon, that’s a fact, and everything will be over. This may all end before then… I’m younger than Putin, so put your bets on me. My prospects are better.” Breitbart

Thailand reels from earthquake Bangkok grinds to a halt as tremors are felt from Burma earthquake

"Bangkok ground to a halt on Friday after a strong earthquake shook the clogged Thai capital, causing chaos and triggering citywide evacuations that left many thousands of people stranded for much of the day.

All urban rail systems were suspended and roads were gridlocked across one of Asia’s biggest cities after the earthquake in neighboring Burma caused tremors up to a magnitude of 7.1 in Bangkok, about 1,020km from the epicenter.
The earthquake killed nine people in Bangkok, including eight laborers who died after the collapse of a 33-storey building that was under construction. Rescuers with dogs searched for signs of life, with more than 100 missing at the site, authorities said.
Foreign tourists – some shirtless, bathrobes or swim shorts – had to leave their hotels and mingled with throngs of office workers evacuated from high-rise towers in Bangkok’s commercial districts, many in shock at a rare quake that caused some skyscrapers to sway for minutes." IrishTimes

Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks in Greenland

"Vice President JD Vance predicted that Greenland would voluntarily partner with the United States amid talks of acquiring the island. "If the people of Greenland were willing to partner with the United States, and I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States, we could make them much more secure," Vance said. "We could do a lot more protection."
The remarks came during a high-profile visit to the Pituffik Space Base, a U.S. facility on the island's northwest coast, which is otherwise a Danish territory.
Denmark, the vice president argued, hasn't done a good enough job securing Greenland from Russian and Chinese encroachment, leaving it vulnerable and in need of a U.S. takeover.
"What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark," Vance said. "And then we're going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there."
JustTheNews

Key points of Putin’s idea to place Ukraine under UN control

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed placing Ukraine under a temporary international administration as one possible way of resolving the ongoing conflict. The idea, he said, draws on international precedent and would aim to restore legitimate governance before any peace deal could be finalized.
During his meeting with Russian nuclear submarine officers on Thursday, President Putin described a possible international mechanism for stabilizing Ukraine – placing it under temporary external administration coordinated by the United Nations.
Problem: Collapse of legitimacy in Kiev
Putin argued that Ukraine’s constitutional legitimacy has broken down due to the expiration of Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential powers last year and the lack of elections since – rendering all of his government’s claims to authority invalid.
Consequence: Power vacuum filled by radicals

Putin has warned that groups with neo-Nazi views, such as the notorious Azov battalion – which receive Western weapons and actively recruit followers – could increasingly exert de facto control in Ukraine, potentially replacing formal civilian authorities.

Suggestion: UN-led temporary external administration

Putin proposed the use of a UN-led transitional authority, referencing prior international missions

.Purpose: Restoring constitutional order and setting legal framework for stable peace

The main goal, according to Putin, would be to organize democratic elections and install a functioning, legitimate government trusted by citizens and recognized globally." RT

209 clashes on front lines in past day

"209 combat clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front line.

Russian airstrikes targeted multiple settlements, including Myropilske, Prokhody, Uhroidy, Krasnopillia, Khmelivka, and Mykhailivske in the Sumy region; Yablunivka, Zoria, Novoolenivka, Hrodivka, Pokrovsk, Chunyshyne, Novoserhiivka, Novomykolaivka, and Oleksiivka in the Donetsk region; Shevchenko, Novodarivka, Novopil, and Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy made six attempts to break through Ukrainian defense lines near Vovchansk and Fyholivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 26 enemy attacks near Stepova Novoselivka, Zahryzove, and in the directions of Petropavlivka, Pishchane, Nova Kruhliakivka, and Bohuslavka.
In the Lyman sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions 32 times, attempting to break through near Nadiia, Kolodiazi, Myrne, Yampolivka, and towards Novoserhiivka, Nove, Olhivka, Dronivka, and Hryhorivka.
In the Siversk sector, three enemy attacks were stopped near Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamianske.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the invaders launched four attacks near Chasiv Yar and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy carried out 24 attacks in the areas of Krymske, Ozarianivka, Kurdiumivka, Toretsk, and in the directions of Dyliivka, Leonidivka, and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 68 Russian attempted assaults near Panteleimonivka, Oleksandropil, Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Sukhyi Yar, Kotlyne, Udachne, Uspenivka, Preobrazhenka, Andriivka, and towards Malynivka and Novooleksandrivka.
In the Novopavlivka sector, the enemy carried out 14 attacks near Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Skudne, Dniproenerhiia, and Burlatske.
In the Huliaipole sector, nine Russian attacks were stopped near Pryvilne, Novosilka, and towards Vilne Pole.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian forces attempted to storm Ukrainian positions four times in the directions of Shcherbaky, Lobkove, and Kamianske.
In the Dnipro River sector, no combat clashes were recorded over the past 24 hours.
In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, no signs of enemy offensive group formations were detected." Ukrin

NATO Weapons ‘Disappeared’ in Ukraine

"A

Ukrainian militant taken captive by the Russian Army admitted that he never saw the
NATO weapons he was trained to use in Germany in real combat action.
Recently, Western news outlets raised alarms that Ukraine has already become the world's biggest black market for firearms." Sputnik

Erdogan Claims Turkish Protest Movement Is ‘Street Terrorism,’ Warns End Is Near

"Turkey’s authoritarian leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said on Monday that the “show” put on by protesters in support of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu will soon come to an end.
“Those who terrorize our streets and want to turn this country into a place of chaos have nowhere to go. The path they have taken is a dead end,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan has dismissed the protests as “street terrorism” and “evil” since they began after Imamoglu was arrested last week." Breitbart

Massive South Korean Wildfires Kill 24, Inflict ‘Unprecedented Damage

"South Korea suffered more than a dozen major wildfires over the weekend. The fires killed 24 people, forced 27,000 to evacuate, and burned more than 17,000 hectares of land.
Acting President Han Duck-soo said the fires continued to burn on Wednesday, causing “unprecedented damage.” Breitbart