Russian Missile Attack
On Sunday, April 13, Russian ballistic missiles struck the center of Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine. Officials reported to New York (NY) Times that at least 34 people were killed–in what appears to be the “deadliest attack against Ukrainian civilians this year.” The attack comes after the Trump administration’s push for a cease-fire. NY Times reported from officials that the city center was crowded with civilians who were celebrating Palm Sunday, a Christian celebration popular in Slavic countries. Ukraine’s emergency services claim two children were among the dead and at least 117 people were wounded. Similarly, last week on April 9, another Russian missile hit near a playground in Kryvyi Rih, killing 19 people, nine of which were children.
Ecuador’s President Re-elected
Daniel Noboa, a conservative millionaire, was reelected by popular demand on Sunday, April 13. Noboa’s first win came after Ecuadorians expressed outrage over the widespread corruption, extortions and murders that grew from the presence of international drug cartels. AP News called Noboa’s attack on politics a “no-holds-barred crime fighting” strategy. Friday, April 7, Ecuador’s government broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas sought asylum after being indicted on corruption charges. Noboa was there, AP News reported, in a bulletproof vest and a leather jacket. Noboa’s opponent, Luisa González vowed to seek a recount and described the election as “grotesque fraud.”
Sudan Refuge Camp Attacked
Residents seeking asylum from Sudan’s civil war have faced devastating attacks, BBC News reported on April 14. El-Fasher and two nearby camps experienced more than 100 deaths, among them being 20 children and a medical team. The UN claimed the series of assaults began a few days before in Sudan’s western Darfur region. The attacks have been blamed on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the group declared control of the Zamzam camp but denied all reports of attacks. BBC reported that the camps, Zamzam and Abu Shouk, provided temporary homes to more than 700,000 people.
