Russian Attacks during Ceasefire
Over Easter weekend, Russia struck Ukraine’s southern Kherson region during a 30-hour ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin. On April 21, AP News wrote that three people were killed in the assault that lasted 24 hours. Putin declared his readiness to reciprocate a ceasefire Saturday, April 19, but the Russian attacks continued throughout the holiday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Russia violated the ceasefire more than 2,900 times. According to AP News, Zelenskyy said that Russian forces carried out 96 assault operations along the front line. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Moscow’s forces observed the ceasefire and remained at previously occupied positions.
New Pan-Nordic Army Assembles
Nordic countries are shedding the persona of peaceful efforts as they emerge with a model for Europe’s defense. Four Nordic countries, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, have ushered in a new regional security. The fifth Nordic country, Iceland, has no standing army or defense industry. According to Wall Street Journal, the Nordic countries have a unified security policy for the first time since the Kalmar Union. This army is an effort to reverse military drawdowns to counter Russian aggression and uncertain security guarantees from the Trump administration.
Iran and U.S. Continue Nuclear Negotiations
A second round of talks between Iran and the United States regarding nuclear programs took place in Rome on Saturday, April 19, according to Wall Street Journal. Iranian officials described the conversation as “a step forward”, while U.S. officials claimed there will be another meeting in the upcoming weeks. The proposal discussed by the U.S. aims for a permanent agreement that Iran will completely abandon its nuclear weapons for the lifting of all economic sanctions. However, Iran hopes to follow a similar approach adopted by the United Arab Emirates: the country operates nuclear reactors but forgoes enriching uranium and depends on imports.
Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on April 22, 2025.
on the Baltic on March 2, 2025.
