Vladimir Putin said that Russia agrees with the “idea” of ending the war in Ukraine but suggested that negotiations should “remove underlying causes” of the conflict. Mr Putin said that he would support a 30-day ceasefire, an idea agreed by America and Ukraine, though he added that there were “nuances” to consider.
TheS&P 500, an American stock index, entered correction territory, falling by 10% from its record high in February. It slipped by 1.4% on Thursday, after Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on alcohol from EU countries. Markets have been spooked by Mr Trump’s erratic protectionism and the prospect of slowing economic growth.
Hours before his confirmation hearing, the Trump administration withdrew its nomination of Dave Weldon to run the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, America’s primary public-health agency. According to the New York Times, the former Republican congressman and doctor was told by officials that they “didn’t have the votes” to confirm his appointment. Mr Weldon has previously cast doubt on the safety of vaccines.
A federal judge ordered six American government agencies, including the treasury and defence departments, to rehire thousands of probationary workers that the Office of Personnel Management moved to fire at DOGE’s direction. Unions and non-profits had sued over the dismissals, which the judge called “unlawful”. Separate “reduction in force” plans drafted in accordance with government rules are allowed to proceed.
Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, accused China of trying to “absorb” the island, by stepping up “influence campaigns and manipulation” there. Sixty-four people were charged for Chinese espionage in 2024—the majority of whom had been in the army. Mr Lai proposed a raft of countermeasures, including stricter rules on residency applications by Chinese citizens and a restoration of military courts.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border deal after three decades of conflict. Tajikistan will reportedly give Kyrgyzstan 25 square kilometres of land in exchange for territory and improved access to shared water resources. The office of Sadyr Japarov, Kyrgyzstan’s president, said that the agreement would foster “security, stability and sustainable development” in Central Asia.
Donatella Versace retired as creative director of her fashion house after nearly 30 years, having taken on the role after her brother Gianni, Versace’s founder, was murdered. She is succeeded by Dario Vitale, formerly a design director at Prada Group’s Miu Miu. Meanwhile Kering appointed Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga’s designer, to lead its flagship brand Gucci, as some luxury firms battle sagging sales.
Figure of the day: 74%, the proportion of Ukrainians who favour fighting even without American support, according to a recent poll. Read the full story.
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