International

Trump says it is more difficult to deal with Ukraine than with Russia

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, declared this Friday that it is more difficult to deal with Ukraine than with Russia in negotiations to end the war.

The Republican made these statements in the White House after having threatened on social networks to impose new sanctions on Russia for its recent attacks on Ukraine.

“Frankly, it is increasingly difficult for me to deal with Ukraine,” said Trump, who said that he is doing “very well with Russia” despite recognizing that the Kremlin forces are “bombing Ukraine like crazy.”

“In terms of reaching a final agreement, it may be easier to deal with Russia, which is surprising,” he said.

Trump assured that Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing “what anyone would do in his position.”

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He also assured that Putin wants peace and that during the negotiations “he will be more generous than he should be.”

These statements contrast with a message published hours earlier on its Truth Social network in which it threatened with “large-scale” sanctions against Russia for “crushing” Ukraine on the war front.

“Considering that Russia is crushing Ukraine on the war front right now, I am seriously evaluating imposing large-scale bank sanctions, sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and a peace agreement are reached,” Trump said in a message on Truth Social, his social network.

The US leader urged in his message both Kiev and Moscow to “sit at the negotiating table now, before it’s too late.”

Trump did not detail what measures he plans to impose against Moscow, given that since the beginning of the invasion, Washington has already applied massive sanctions and trade between the two countries is at a minimum, with just 3.5 billion dollars in 2024.

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The United States, Kiev’s key ally since the beginning of the war, has changed its strategy with Trump’s arrival in power, suspending the sending of military equipment and the exchange of intelligence with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel next week to Saudi Arabia to meet with a Ukrainian delegation.

Waltz explained that this meeting will serve to “renew” the negotiations after the discussion in the Oval Office between Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, which thwarted the signing of a first agreement on mineral exploitation in Ukraine.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.