Russia launched a large-scale overnight air assault on Ukraine, firing 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Although most of the threats were intercepted—6 missiles and 245 drones—several large explosions still occurred. CNN reports that 13 people were killed: 4 in Donetsk, 5 in Kherson and Odesa, and 4 in Kharkiv. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have downed 94 Ukrainian drones. Notably, both countries also completed the largest prisoner exchange of the war, swapping over 1,400 detainees in two phases.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed the Israeli Ambassador that due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israeli obstruction of aid, the UK is suspending all new free trade discussions with Israel. Lammy described the starvation of millions in Gaza as “horrific and heartbreaking” and warned that continued blockades would prompt the UK to take even stronger measures.

The Co-op, one of the UK’s largest retail chains, has voted to boycott all Israeli products in response to ongoing atrocities in Gaza. If implemented, it will become the first major UK retailer to fully sever trade ties with Israel. The proposal passed with 73% support among employees, urging the board to take a morally courageous stand. A company spokesperson stated that Co-op continuously reviews its policies to align with the values and principles of its members.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire as a "staged show." Russia has not accepted a broader 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington. “We are not playing games to help Putin appear less isolated during his May 9 Victory Day celebration,” Zelensky said. Nearly 20 foreign leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Moscow event. Zelensky warned that Russia might orchestrate incidents on that day and blame Ukraine.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has expressed his desire to return to the British royal fold, admitting he is devastated after losing a legal battle to regain full security in the UK. Buckingham Palace stated that courts have reviewed the matter thoroughly multiple times and consistently reached the same conclusion. “I can’t imagine bringing my wife and children back to the UK under these circumstances,” Harry said. “I truly want a reunion with my family. There’s no point in continuing the fight—life is too precious.” He added that the decision to revoke his security rights as a prince still haunts him.

Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov announced during a video conference with President Putin that Russian forces have liberated the last Ukrainian-held village, Gornal, in the Kursk region. Putin declared Ukraine’s counter-offensive “a total failure.” Ukraine’s senior staff, however, dismissed Russia’s claims as mere propaganda, admitting that battlefield conditions in the area have become increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, Russia praised North Korean soldiers, with around 10,000 troops reportedly engaged in combat.

Russia has launched its largest assault on Kyiv this year, using drones and missiles that killed at least 12 and injured 90. Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by directly appealing to Vladimir Putin, saying, “Vladimir, stop! Five thousand troops are dying every week. Let’s make peace first.” Trump condemned the attack as unnecessary and poorly timed.

Russia resumed military strikes on Ukraine on Monday, ending President Putin’s 30-hour unilateral Easter ceasefire. Three civilians were reportedly killed. Both sides had accused each other of violating the temporary truce. The Ukrainian military noted a reduction in Russian activity but stated that the war had not ceased entirely.

Just hours after President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 30-hour Easter ceasefire, Russia and Ukraine traded accusations of violating it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 59 shellings and five assaults by Russian forces. Ukraine claims Russia also used 48 drones during the truce, while over 900 drone attacks were reported in Russia’s border regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk.

Legal Action Network reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar abruptly cut short his UK visit and left the country after a formal request for an arrest warrant was submitted against him. They claim Sa’ar is under investigation for serious crimes and urge the public to alert London Metropolitan Police if he is spotted, but warn against approaching him due to possible armed security. The Hind Rajab Foundation also filed a similar request. During his secret visit, Sa’ar held a private meeting with the British Foreign Secretary, discussing Gaza and other Middle East issues, confirmed by the UK’s Commonwealth and Development Office.

The death toll from a Russian strike on Sumy, Ukraine, has climbed to 35, with 117 injured. While Russia claimed it targeted a military meeting, Ukrainian officials say the attack took place on Palm Sunday as civilians headed to church. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as cowardly. Western leaders including those from the UK, Germany, and Italy have denounced the strike. Donald Trump called it “horrible” but added, “I heard it was a mistake.” According to the UN, over 12,654 civilians have been killed and 29,392 injured in Ukraine during the first three years of war.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to protect Britain’s trade interests in response to former US President Donald Trump’s proposed “reciprocal tariffs.” While reaffirming the UK’s commitment to pursuing an economic agreement with the US, Starmer criticized the minimum 10% tariffs imposed on British goods, describing them as a significant threat.
Trump has also proposed a 25% tariff on UK steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
In response, the UK government is focusing on strengthening trade alliances and adopting new industrial strategies to shield the country’s trade sector from what Starmer called a “tariff storm.”

A devastating missile strike by Russian forces on a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has killed at least 18 people, including six children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow as rescue operations continue. Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak reported on Telegram that several residential buildings were damaged in the attack, sparking fires and injuring at least 50 people. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the missile targeted a gathering of Ukrainian troops and foreign instructors in Kryvyi Rih, alleging that the strike resulted in the deaths of 85 foreign military personnel and officers, as well as the destruction of over 20 vehicles.

In his Eid-ul-Fitr message on March 30, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed sympathy for those unable to celebrate due to humanitarian crises in Palestine and Sudan. He said, “For many, this Eid will be overshadowed by sorrow, as the atrocities in Palestine and Sudan continue to cause immense suffering. Over 50,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children, have been killed in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations.” The Israeli Embassy in the UK responded critically, stating the message failed to mention Hamas, condemn terrorism, or call for the release of hostages. In a follow-up statement, the Mayor’s office clarified that Sadiq Khan has consistently condemned Hamas’ attacks and stands against terrorism. “He mourns every loss of life and supports a permanent ceasefire,” the statement added.

A Russian drone strike on Saturday night in Kharkiv, Ukraine, left two people dead and 35 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack damaged multiple structures, including a military hospital. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that five children were among the injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international allies to take action against Russia. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 111 drones and one ballistic missile across various regions, including Sumy, Odesa, and Donetsk, overnight. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 65 drones and intercept 35 attacks.