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Russia has warned that European efforts to expand drone production and supply to Ukraine risk deepening their involvement in the ongoing conflict. The Russian defence ministry said several EU nations are increasing support for Ukraine’s drone capabilities, a move Moscow views as a dangerous escalation in the war. It also released a list of facilities across Europe allegedly linked to drone manufacturing.

The list included sites in countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Israel, claiming they are involved in producing drones or components for Ukraine. Russian officials said European citizens should be aware of these locations, suggesting they could become part of the broader conflict environment.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev intensified the warning, calling the published list potential military targets and hinting at possible future strikes. While such statements have been made before, they add to growing tensions as European countries continue to support Ukraine. The remarks highlight concerns that the war could expand beyond Ukraine if escalation continues.

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Tensions escalated sharply as Iran warned it would retaliate against Gulf ports following the U.S. military’s decision to impose a naval blockade on vessels linked to Iranian ports. The move comes after talks failed to secure a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of renewed escalation. Tehran called the blockade illegal and warned that if its ports were targeted, no port in the Gulf region would remain safe.

The blockade, enforced across Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, has already disrupted global oil flows. Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only controlled transit, while the U.S. has vowed to block ships paying Iranian tolls. Two Iranian-linked tankers departed just before the blockade began, underscoring the urgency among traders and operators.

Global markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices surging above $100 a barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruption. With the fragile ceasefire at risk and negotiations stalled, both sides remain entrenched, raising concerns of further economic fallout and instability in global energy markets.

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Separatist groups in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions have declared a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the visit of Pope Leo XIV, aiming to ensure safe movement for civilians and visitors. The temporary truce, described as a “safe travel passage,” will run from April 15 to April 17, covering areas controlled by separatist forces as the pope visits the region during his Africa tour.

The gesture comes amid a long-running conflict between separatist militias and government forces in western Cameroon, which has claimed thousands of lives since 2017. The alliance, including groups such as the Ambazonia Governing Council, said its fighters have been instructed to maintain security for civilians, pilgrims, and dignitaries, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the move.

Separatist leaders framed the ceasefire as a sign of responsibility and respect for human dignity, urging all parties to honor the truce. However, past ceasefire efforts in the region have seen limited success, with not all armed factions adhering to such agreements, raising uncertainty over full compliance during the papal visit.

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Spain has sharply escalated its criticism of Israel and the United States, condemning Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the broader conflict involving Iran. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the situation as a grave attack on global values, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has been a vocal opponent of the war.

Madrid’s stance has deepened tensions with Washington, especially amid pressure from allies of Donald Trump to penalize Spain. Sanchez has taken concrete steps, including closing Spanish airspace to aircraft involved in the conflict and urging the European Union to suspend its agreement with Israel, accusing it of violating international law and ceasefire terms.

Spain is also pursuing diplomatic efforts, announcing plans to reopen its embassy in Tehran to support regional peace. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Spain’s position, highlighting growing international divisions as Madrid continues to position itself as a leading critic of the ongoing conflict.

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EU Council President Antonio Costa warned that Russia has emerged as the primary beneficiary of the ongoing Middle East conflict, profiting from soaring energy prices and reduced international attention on its war in Ukraine. Speaking to EU ambassadors in Brussels, Costa said Russia gains new resources to finance its operations in Ukraine while the diversion of military capabilities weakens support for Kyiv.

Costa emphasized the broader risks of the conflict, noting that the Middle East war diverts focus from Ukraine and threatens regional stability. He urged international actors to return to the negotiating table to prevent further escalation and protect human rights.

Highlighting the need to uphold global norms, Costa stressed that freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through military action alone. He called for the EU to defend the rules-based international order and avoid paths that endanger Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

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A 23-year-old police officer, identified as Viktoria Shpylka, was killed and 25 others were injured after two homemade explosive devices detonated in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. According to the National Police of Ukraine, the explosives were hidden in waste bins and exploded shortly after officers responded to a reported overnight break-in at a shop in the city centre. Several officers were among the injured, with some reported to be in serious condition.

Ukrainian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack and quickly detained a 33-year-old suspect from the Rivne region. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the arrest and said investigators believe the suspect acted on instructions from Russian special services. Officials are continuing efforts to identify possible accomplices, while prosecutors have opened a terrorism investigation into the deadly attack.

The bombing comes amid ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as the country faces intensified missile and drone strikes ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian officials reported dozens of aerial attacks targeting infrastructure and residential areas, highlighting continued security threats as Russia maintains control over parts of Ukrainian territory, including the annexed region of Crimea.

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A Russian drone attack in Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv region, killed three young children and their father, while injuring the pregnant mother, local officials reported. The victims were twin boys Ivan and Vladyslav, aged two, and their one-year-old sister Myroslava, along with their 34-year-old father, Hryhoriy. The mother, Olha, 35, sustained minor burns but survived. The family had recently relocated from a town near the Russian border, seeking refuge from ongoing shelling.

The attack marks a renewed wave of Russian strikes following a short pause, with the Kharkiv region under near-daily assaults. Regional authorities described the incident as “brutal,” noting that tens of thousands of residents face severe power outages and lack of heating, worsened by Moscow targeting energy and transport infrastructure.

In parallel, Russian forces hit other areas including Slovyansk, causing further casualties, while Ukraine launched retaliatory drone attacks on Volzhsky in Russia’s Volgograd region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the continued strain on civilians and noted ongoing international efforts, including upcoming U.S.-hosted talks, to end the war that began in February 2022.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the US aims to end the war with Russia by June, inviting both sides to hold talks in the United States next week, likely in Miami. Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s participation but noted that difficult issues, including territorial concessions, remain unresolved. For the first time, leaders may be involved in trilateral discussions, though preparatory steps are required before this can happen.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts amid freezing temperatures. More than 400 drones and 40 missiles struck power plants, substations, and transmission lines, affecting regions such as Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Rivne. Thousands of Ukrainians remain without electricity, forcing many to take shelter in metro stations. Ukraine has also retaliated with strikes on Russian military and industrial facilities in Tver and Saratov regions.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago, more than 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, with nearly 160,000 Russian military casualties confirmed. Zelensky emphasized that Moscow should not be allowed to leverage the harsh winter to pressure Ukraine. Despite ongoing diplomacy, the conflict continues to inflict severe humanitarian and infrastructural damage.

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Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine’s two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early Saturday, resulting in one confirmed death and at least 15 injuries. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires in multiple districts along the Dnipro River, as power, heating, and water supplies were disrupted. Both drones and missiles were used in the assault, damaging a medical facility among other buildings.

In Kharkiv, approximately 30 km from the Russian border, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones struck several districts over a two-and-a-half-hour period, hitting a dormitory for displaced persons, a hospital, and a maternity ward. At least 11 people were injured during the attacks. Emergency services continued working to restore essential utilities in freezing overnight temperatures.

The strikes came shortly after Ukraine, Russia, and US negotiators concluded the first day of talks in the UAE aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the attacks underscore the continuing volatility and human toll in the conflict zones.

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Researchers studying the migration patterns of Greater Spotted Eagles have found that these birds altered their usual routes across Ukraine in response to the conflict and environmental damage caused by war. They believe the eagles avoided dangers such as artillery fire and troop buildups, likely due to damage to their habitats.

The study, published in Current Biology by researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the British Trust for Ornithology, reveals that the eagles deviated significantly from their usual paths, spent less time at refueling sites, and traveled longer distances. These changes resulted in delays and increased energy expenditure for the birds.

While all tracked birds survived, the researchers are concerned about the potential long-term effects on their breeding capabilities. As the Greater Spotted Eagle is classified as a vulnerable species, any disruption to their migratory patterns and breeding performance is considered a significant conservation concern.

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