News from April 10, 2025 at 2 AM

US President Donald Trump's latest round of sweeping tariffs took effect shortly after midnight on Wednesday, impacting major trading partners including China and the European Union. The measures aim to restore America's manufacturing base but will affect over $2 trillion in imports, pushing the US effective tariff rate to its highest in over a century. Consumer goods in the US could see significant price hikes, with clothing estimated to rise by 33%. While the White House has hinted at possible trade talks, Trump remains resistant to exemptions. China has vowed not to back down, warning of firm responses to 'bullying' tactics. US businesses with ties to China face uncertainty, with some halting shipments. Economists predict the tariffs could cost the US 600,000 jobs and reduce household purchasing power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 9 that Ukrainian intelligence has information indicating 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for the Russian military against Ukraine. This statement comes after the capture of two Chinese nationals in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have been advancing. Zelensky expressed hope that the United States would engage with Russia regarding the deployment of Chinese citizens on the battlefield. He mentioned that Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens through social media, with knowledge of Chinese officials, and that Ukraine's security service has compiled lists of their names, birth dates, and assigned Russian military units. Ukraine is assessing whether these recruits are receiving instructions from Beijing. Zelensky emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that there are 155 Chinese citizens actively fighting against Ukraine on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine is prepared to exchange the captured Chinese nationals for detained Ukrainian soldiers. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a press conference that China is verifying the situation with Ukraine and emphasized that the Chinese government has always required its citizens to avoid conflict zones and military operations of any party.

A roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, early Tuesday morning resulted in at least 113 deaths and over 150 injuries. Notable victims include former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and Monte Cristi province governor Nelsy Cruz. The incident occurred during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who also died in the collapse. Hundreds of people were inside the venue, and approximately 400 rescuers are still searching for survivors. Emergency Operations Centre director Juan Manuel Méndez expressed hope that some buried under the debris might still be alive. The Jet Set nightclub is a well-known establishment that frequently hosts music events attended by political and sports figures.

On April 9, 2025, an Israeli airstrike on a multi-floor residential building in the Shejaia district of Gaza City killed at least 29 Palestinians, including children. Medics reported dozens wounded, with many still believed to be trapped under the rubble. The Israeli military stated the target was a senior Hamas militant. Additionally, nine other Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes, bringing the day's death toll to 38. Since resuming bombardment of Gaza on March 18, nearly 1,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have resumed rocket attacks on Israel. Both Israel and Hamas blame each other for the ceasefire talks stalemate, with Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, failing to bridge the gap between the warring parties.

Germany's conservative leader, Friedrich Merz, has reached a deal with the Social Democrats to stabilize the German government. The previous government faced economic downturn and trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Merz stated that the new government will focus on reforming and stabilizing Germany, with a concentration on immigration, the economy, and defense. The new government is expected to elect Merz as Chancellor in a new parliament starting on May 5, with a majority of 13 seats. The new government will invest in military and infrastructure and implement measures to control irregular migration.

Pope Francis held a private meeting with Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their state visit to Italy, at the Vatican. During the meeting, Pope Francis conveyed his best wishes to the couple on their wedding anniversary and reciprocated the King's wishes for a swift recovery from his health issues. Initially, an official meeting was announced by Buckingham Palace, but it was later postponed due to the Pope's convalescence needs following his extended hospital stay.

On April 8, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the Egyptian Red Crescent warehouse in Arish, Egypt. He stated that France could recognize a Palestinian state in June, hoping this move would encourage some Middle Eastern countries to recognize Israel. In an interview on France 5 television, Macron emphasized that this decision is not to please anyone but is based on the right timing. Although nearly 150 countries have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, most major Western powers, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, have not. Macron revealed that the objective is to co-chair a conference with Saudi Arabia in June to finalize the movement towards reciprocal recognition by several countries.

The death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen's city of Hodeidah on Tuesday night has risen to 12, including six women and four children. Since March 15th to April 9th, at least 107 civilians have been killed in US attacks on Yemeni territory controlled by the Houthi rebels of the Ansar Allah movement. The Yemen Health Ministry reported that the toll from the US strikes on Hodeidah has now reached 12, with six women and four children among the fatalities. Prior to this, the US conducted a series of strikes on Houthi facilities. The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, aimed to protect American interests and ensure freedom of navigation, according to the US Armed Forces Central Command.

According to TASS, the European Union has initiated sanctions against Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexandar Vulin. On Wednesday, Vulin commented on relations with Brussels and Moscow in a speech at the European Parliament, stating that Russia is Serbia's 'only steadfast historical ally.' A source revealed that Brussels is also demanding that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic remove Vulin from the country's next cabinet.