American Russell Bentley, aka the “Donbass Cowboy,” was a Texan who joined pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Though he only fought for six months, he spent the next decade in Donetsk as a pro-Russian propagandist and war correspondent, even gaining Russian citizenship in 2021.

In April 2024, Bentley was abducted, tortured, and killed by Russian soldiers who allegedly mistook him for a spy.

U.S. Pushes Back on EU’s ‘Buy European’ Defense Plan

The U.S. has formally objected to the EU’s new defense initiative, ReArm Europe, which proposes €150 billion in loans for joint European defense projects.

Washington is concerned the plan sidelines U.S. defense firms, potentially harming transatlantic ties.

“They are upset about ReArm and that the U.S. is excluded,” said a senior European official.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned EU leaders on March 25 that:
“Any exclusion of U.S. companies from European tenders would be seen negatively by Washington.”

A State Department spokesperson echoed the concern:
“Trump welcomes stronger European defense—but not at the cost of new barriers against U.S. companies.”

“Transatlantic defense industrial cooperation makes the Alliance stronger,” the official added.

Source: Reuters

Trump administration is considering Iran’s offer for indirect nuclear talks while boosting military forces in the region to maintain both diplomatic and deterrent pressure.

Trump has given Iran a vague two-month deadline to strike a deal.

Source: Axios

Le Pen:

We’re always lecturing Russia on democracy — and now they’ve thrown that lesson back at us like a boomerang.

15 Medics Killed by Israel in Gaza Found in Mass Grave

Fifteen Palestinian emergency workers, including a UN staffer, were found dead in a mass grave in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Their bodies were discovered near marked emergency vehicles—ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN car.

The group had gone missing on March 23 while responding to an Israeli strike. Israel claimed it fired on unidentified vehicles allegedly used by militants.

Access to the area was restricted for a week, delaying recovery efforts. On March 31, the bodies were recovered and buried the next day.

The Red Crescent called it its deadliest loss in nearly a decade. The UN and other humanitarian groups have demanded an investigation.

Greece Unveils €25 Billion Defense Plan Through 2037

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a €25 billion defense spending plan extending to 2037, outlining a 12-year strategy to enhance the country’s military capabilities.

Recent acquisitions by Greece include 24 Rafale jets and frigates from France, and a potential order of 40 F-35 fighters from the U.S.

Mitsotakis said the defense minister now has the full budget and must “prioritize and make the choices that are critical and necessary.”

Kremlin:

Trump's plans to travel to Saudi Arabia in May are not connected with Putin.

Kremlin:

Kiev does not comply with the moratorium and continues to strike Russian energy infrastructure on a daily basis.

Italy's PM Meloni:

I do not rule out adequate responses to US tariffs to defend our products. It is clear that introduction of new US tariffs would hit Italian producers hard.

NEW: The Chinese military said on Wednesday evening it had completed all designated exercises around Taiwan, in a social media post from the Eastern Theater Command.

Source: Reuters

A high-ranking commander within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has urged immediate intervention from regional and international organizations to facilitate the release of First Vice President Riek Machar, issuing a warning of potential military intervention should the matter remain unresolved.

Pursuant to President Salva Kiir Mayardit's directive, Machar, head of the principal armed opposition faction, was put under house arrest by security forces on March 26.

Source: Sudan Post

NEW: The three Americans had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment ahead of an expected visit by a Trump official.

A spokeswoman for the Democratic Republic of Congo's president announced the reduction of sentence for three American citizens sentenced to death over a failed coup attempt.

Congo has been seeking American support against neighboring Rwanda and the M23 rebel militia that it directs and arms. Congo's president, Félix Tshisekedi, has offered the United States a stake in his country's vast mineral wealth in return for help.

Trump tariffs would hit lower-income Americans hardest

Trump's new tariffs will hit lower-income Americans. According to an analysis by the Yale Budget Lab:

• Low-income households could see a 5.5% drop in disposable income if other countries retaliate with tariffs of their own.

• In comparison, the wealthiest households would see a 2.1% decrease, though in absolute dollar terms, they still bear a larger burden due to higher spending.

• For middle-income families, the average annual cost of the tariffs is about $3,800, while for top earners it could reach $9,500.

Despite promises to lower inflation, Trump's trade war risks raising the cost of everyday goods—from food and clothes to electronics and cars—across the board. The tariffs are expected to significantly influence both U.S. inflation and economic growth.

Source: Axios

Aliyev: Peace Deal Ready, Ball in Armenia’s Court

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the peace treaty with Armenia is fully agreed upon but awaits action from Yerevan.

Key demands of Azerbaijan:
• Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group
• Removal of territorial claims from Armenia’s constitution
(Specifically, the clause referencing the unification of Azerbaijani territory with Armenia)

“Our terms are clear and longstanding. If Armenia truly wants peace, it must meet these two legitimate conditions. The ball is in their court.”

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