12:28
Russia’s Cyberwarfare: How GRU Targeted Azerbaijan
From Sofia to Syria, a tale of fake leaks, forged documents, and one target: Azerbaijan.
EU prepares response to US tariffs amid rising trade tensions
Reuters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is ready to respond with countermeasures if talks with Washington fail, following new US tariffs imposed by President Trump.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described US President Donald Trump's universal tariffs as a major blow to the global economy. Speaking in Samarkand ahead of the EU–Central Asia summit, she said the European Union was preparing to act if negotiations with the United States did not succeed.
The EU is finalizing a first package of tariffs on up to €26 billion ($28.4 billion) worth of US goods, expected to take effect in mid-April. These measures are in response to US steel and aluminum tariffs that began on March 12.
“We're now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail,” von der Leyen stated, without disclosing specific future actions.
A French government spokesperson noted that broader measures, potentially including digital services, could be introduced by the end of April. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the EU’s preference for reaching an agreement with Washington but acknowledged the possibility of an “adequate” European response if necessary.
EU trade ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss their options.
While the EU has fewer US goods to target—importing €334 billion worth from the US compared to €532 billion in exports—the bloc may avoid hitting critical sectors like US oil, gas, and pharmaceuticals, which make up a significant share of its imports.
12:21
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif begins two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and discussing key regional issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
11:50
Pentagon chief confident NATO will commit to Trump’s 5% defence spending target
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed confidence on Thursday that NATO allies will agree to President Donald Trump’s call for a sharp increase in defence spending, signalling a potential shift in transatlantic security priorities ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague.
11:49
Ukraine-Russia War
Russian drone attack kills five, injures 24, Ukraine officials say
A Russian drone strike killed the wife, daughter, and infant grandson of a fire chief in northern Ukraine's Chernihiv region, as Moscow intensified overnight attacks on civilian areas, including the city of Kharkiv.
11:42
Ukraine-Russia War
Ukraine's military says it struck Russian missile systems
Ukraine's military says it has preemptively struck Russian missile systems in Russia’s Bryansk region, thwarting what it claims was an imminent attack on Kyiv.
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