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Rubio and Lavrov Discuss the Importance of Communicating With the Opposite Side of Situation in Ukraine
"I spoke to Minister Lavrov yesterday because when we have these kinds of meetings, it is important that you communicate to the other side. Otherwise they do not know what happened [and start] relying on rumors or whatever is out there. So I spoke to him very directly," Rubio told reporters.
Chisinau's Expulsion of Russian Diplomats Worsens Moldova-Transnistria Dialogue, Transnistrian FM Says
The unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic's FM, Vitaly Ignatiev, told Sputnik about Chisinau's relations with Tiraspol and more:
🔹Chisinau is avoiding negotiations with Tiraspol in order to continue blockade measures and increase pressure on Transnistria;
🔹Moldova is increasingly using legal mechanisms for political purposes;
🔹To remove or destroy ammunition in Cobasna, it is necessary to clarify the parameters of man-made and environmental safety;
🔹The expulsion of Russian diplomats from Moldova complicates interaction and worsens the atmosphere of dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol;
🔹Transnistria expects that the EU will encourage Chisinau to negotiate with Tiraspol, and not facilitate the militarization of Moldova.
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❗️ Lavrov says Putin very satisfied with yesterday's meeting with Iranian foreign minister, it demonstrates dynamics of bilateral ties
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📌 Major World Events by Morning of April 18
🟠 The US and the DRC are working on minerals deal, State Department says. The agreement is expected to boost US investment in the DRC's mining sector, the official noted;
🟠 The Tanzanian Controller and Auditor General office has noted improvements in the efficiency of public spending, according to its latest report for the period ending June 2024;
🟠 Health ministers in the Lake Chad Basin have launched a vaccination campaign to protect 83 million children under five from polio type 2, as part of renewed efforts to eradicate the disease from the region;
🟠 Trump said that a deal with China amid trade dispute could be concluded in the next 3-4 weeks;
🟠 China is ready to work with Russia and continue to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, said Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang;
🟠 First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Sviridenko said
that Washington and Kiev signed a memorandum of intent to conclude an agreement on minerals;
🟠 A ceasefire in Ukraine "at this stage"
is unrealistic, said Russia's UN envoy Nebenzya;
🟠 Witkoff said that he discussed the "territorial issue" during his visit to Russia and believes that it can be partially resolved, the WSJ reported;
🟠 Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani said that he sees no reason to make any changes to the current agreement with the United States on the costs of maintaining American military bases, and that funding should be discussed separately from the issue of duties;
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Most European Countries are 'Belligerent,' They Do Not Want Peace in Ukraine, Russia's UN Envoy Says
"We would like to see the Europeans stop arming Ukraine and encouraging it to continue the conflict, and convince it to accept the conditions that would lead to resolving this crisis," Vassily Nebenzia told reporters following the UNSC closed consultations on Thursday.
"I cannot speak on behalf of President Trump. He knows better ... How close we are to the ceasefire is a big question for me personally because as I said, we had an attempt on a limited ceasefire, on energy infrastructure, which was not observed by the Ukrainian side, so in these circumstances to speak about a ceasefire is simply unrealistic," he explained.
US Tells Europeans It Seeks to Secure Full Ceasefire in Ukraine Within Weeks, Report Says
Washington expects significant progress on ending the conflict in the near future, US officials said at a meeting in Paris, a US media outlet reported citing sources.
The participants agreed to work towards ending the conflict, the report added.
On Thursday, US State Secretary Rubio and envoys Witkoff and Kellogg met in Paris with European leaders, including Macron, and Ukrainian officials to discuss resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
🔺Kiev has repeatedly violated the 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine, despite earlier claims of support for the agreement.
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#viral | Shepherd Discovers Two Newborn Leopard Cubs and Protects Them From Pack of Dogs in Southwestern Iran
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Russian Orthodox Church Denounces Moldova's 'Blatant' Actions in Blocking Access to Holy Fire from Jerusalem
"The advisors of the Moldovan authorities, obviously far from Christianity, think that they will solve some political task of their own by this. Do you think that you will separate people from Christ, prevent them from rejoicing at the Easter celebration?" Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vladimir Legoida noted.
US, DRC Working on Minerals Deal, State Department Says
"Our DRC partners have pledged to facilitate an efficient, transparent and effective business environment cooperation in this sector," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told a press conference.
Paris Protest Calls for Freedom: 'Palestine Will Win! Free Georges Abdallah!
The protesters are demanding the release of the pro-Palestinian Lebanese activist Georges Abdallah.
👉🏾 He has been imprisoned in France since 1984. Abdallah has been eligible for release for 25 years, but his numerous requests for parole have been unsuccessful.
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Zimbabwe to Manufacture Belarusian Buses
Zimbabwe has signed a deal with Belarus to produce, assemble, and sell MAZ buses locally—a move that could boost public transport infrastructure in the country.
Here’s a quick rundown on Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) and its buses:
🚌 MAZ began bus production in 1992, initially using a design licensed from German company Neoplan. Later models were developed in-house;
🚌 The company now has three generations of buses, with the first-gen serving as the foundation for later innovations;
🚌 MAZ offers a wide range: low-floor city and suburban buses, articulated buses, and trolleybuses;
🚌 In May 2020, MAZ launched its first electric bus, the MAZ-303E10, with a 300 km range and 30 seats.
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Nigeria Appoints First Female Acting Director of Army Public Relations
Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia officially takes over on April 22, succeeding Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
A quick look at her background:
🪖 Member of Direct Regular Course 15
🪖 Graduate of the Nigerian Army Resource Center’s strategic course
🪖 Former PR officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff
🪖 Served in the Civil-Military Relations Department
🪖 Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
The Minister of Women Affairs hailed her appointment, citing her “exceptional leadership, professionalism, and innovation in public relations.”
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Kenya to Open Doors for New Commercial Banks
The Central Bank of Kenya announced on Wednesday that it would lift its decade-long freeze on new commercial bank licenses starting July 1st.
The moratorium, implemented in 2015 due to concerns about governance, risk management, and operational issues, will be lifted following significant improvements in the banking sector's legal and regulatory framework.
The CBK also cited the recent tenfold increase in minimum core capital requirements for commercial banks to 10 billion Kenyan shillings ($77 million) as further strengthening the sector's stability.
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Senegal Releases 'Unprecedented' Funding to Support Agriculture
The 2025 agricultural season will be "decisive for food sovereignty" in Senegal, and a budget of about $225 million has been allocated, according to a press release from the country's agriculture ministry.
The Interministerial Council on the 2025 Agricultural Production Season, chaired by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, also made several key decisions.
These include:
🟠Settling arrears owed to agricultural operators;
🟠Strengthening seed certification procedures;
🟠Launching the "Allo Tracteur" ("Hello Tractor") program to make agricultural equipment more accessible;
🟠Implementing a rural development program with 1,000 young volunteers;
🟠Enhancing support for community agricultural cooperatives;
🟠Implementing targeted measures for priority sectors such as corn, rice, horticulture, bananas, and cashews.
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Burkina Faso Protests Against US General's 'Erroneous Assertions' on Mineral Resources Management
The Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denied the statements made by General Michael Langley, the head of the United States Africa Command (US Africom), in early April.
🗣 "By claiming that Burkina Faso's mineral resources, as well as certain revenues from cooperation with China, do not benefit the population and instead serve to protect the 'regime in power,' General Langley is adopting a stance that deliberately denies Burkina Faso's new sovereignist dynamic," according to a statement published on April 15.
The statement said that all revenues from mining are now returned to state coffers and are subject to rigorous and transparent management.
While denouncing Langley's statements, Burkinabe diplomacy advocated for "frank and respectful dialogue" based on "verified information" and "an objective understanding of the situation" in the country.
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China Ready to Deepen Cooperation With Russia to Guarantee Energy Security, Vice Premier Says
"In recent years, energy trade between Russia and China has continued to account for more than a third of total bilateral trade," Ding Xuexiang said during a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev.
❗️ Letter of Iranian leader to Russian president signal to world that Iran considers Russia its strategic partner, Iranian foreign minister says
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🎥🎥 Russia's Lavrov holds talks in Moscow with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi
☝🏾Follow the event live on Sputnik Africa's Telegram
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Moldovan Government Eliminates Opponents to Stay in Power, Opposition Lawmaker Says
"Rallies are being held all over Moldova. The government understands perfectly well that it has only one way to stay in power - to eliminate opponents and stifle criticism. The experience of Georgia and other countries shows that national uprisings will prevent the authorities from holding the 'right' kind of elections they hope for," Victory bloc lawmaker Marina Tauber has told Sputnik.
❗️Europe should be involved in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, in particular because of EU sanctions that could become part of the agreement, US Secretary of State Rubio believes
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❗️US Secretary of State Rubio said the US has supported Ukraine for three years, but has now reached a point where it needs to focus elsewhere
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❗️Orthodox Church UNDER FIRE: Moldovan bishop BARRED from Holy Fire pilgrimage
Archbishop Markel was stopped at Moldova’s international airport and barred by border guards from flying to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire — a major Orthodox tradition. The Church is calling it a blatant case of state meddling.
This is a direct blow to Moldova’s Orthodox Church — backed by 70% of the population — where authorities are currently propping up a rival body: the so-called Metropolis of Bessarabia.
The move is the latest sign that the country, led by Romanian citizen Maia Sandu, is being steered down the ‘Ukrainian path’.
🇷🇺Language сrackdown: authorities are already laying the groundwork for scrapping Russian-language education in schools, per a PAS Party MP.
🎤Political crackdown: Gagauzia leader Evgenia Gutsul was recently arrested, opposition figures are being targeted.
📹Media purge: 12 TV channels, plus numerous digital outlets shut down in 2022–2023 alone.
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Hamas Ready for Ceasefire Talks in Gaza Strip, Release of Hostages, Head of Movement Says
Hamas is ready to negotiate and release Israeli hostages, "in exchange for a complete end to the war and the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces," said the head of the movement in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya.
Meanwhile, over 30 people were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip on Friday morning.
On March 18, Israel resumed strikes on Gaza, citing Hamas' rejection of the US ceasefire extension. It also cut electricity to a Gaza desalination plant and blocked humanitarian aid.
A video from social media allegedly shows the aftermath of a Friday Israeli strike in northern Gaza
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Nigeria’s Diplomatic Reset With Niger Signals Hope for African Unity
Dr. James Agena, a political science lecturer at Ebonyi State University, emphasized the broader implications of Nigeria’s FM recent visit to Niger.
“Nigeria, at every point, is always regarded as the giant of Africa… the best thing to do is to coordinate and ensure that there is a friendly relationship between all countries of Africa,” he told Sputnik Africa.
“Africa now believes that the best bet is to align with countries that don't show enough capitalist tendencies… this will lead to African economic development.”
Ukraine 2.0: Moldova’s Slide Into Authoritarianism
🙊 Silencing the Opposition
▪️Former President Igor Dodon was put under house arrest in 2022 on questionable treason and corruption charges—so dubious the ECHR raised concerns;
▪️In 2023, the Shor Party was banned by the Central Election Commission;
▪️MP Dmitry Nesterovsky was stripped of immunity, detained, and later had to flee the country;
▪️Even the Council of Europe has warned that President Maia Sandu’s judicial reforms threaten judicial independence and disproportionately target opposition figures, while sparing members of her ruling PAS party.
❌ Eroding Regional Autonomy
▪️Gagauzia’s leader, Evgenia Gutsul, was placed under house arrest on charges of corruption and illegal financing;
▪️Gagauzia's parliament chair claims police are pressuring pensioners into falsely confessing to vote-buying.
🇷🇺 Suppressing the Russian Language
▪️In 2021, the Constitutional Court annulled Russian’s status as an official language of interethnic communication.
📺 Targeting Opposition Media
▪️The Audiovisual Council, dominated by PAS loyalists, aggressively monitors media critical of the government;
▪️Six TV channels were shut down for “Kremlin propaganda” and “misinformation”;
▪️State broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova is government-aligned, while independent outlets face financial pressure and ad boycotts from pro-Sandu oligarchs.
😈 Consolidating Power
▪️President Sandu imposed two lengthy states of emergency—from early 2022 to late 2023, and again from late 2024 to January 2025—restricting free speech and assembly;
▪️In 2021, she dissolved parliament and held snap elections, giving PAS a supermajority and turning the legislature into a rubber-stamp institution.
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🎙️📻 How Kenya's Flower Industry is Blossoming Into New Markets Globally
🎧🇰🇪🌸AfricanCurrents | "Kenya's flower industry is a success story. We have a history that runs over 30 to 35 years now. If you look at other sectors, we have moved very, very fast within that period. And we are a bit of an example to many other industries in Kenya and also globally [...]. Kenya has ideal climatical and ecological conditions. We also pride ourselves for having the best workforce in terms of knowledge. Our geographical position also enables us to access different markets," Clement Tulezi, CEO Kenya Flower Council, said.
🌷 The floriculture boss highlights the sector's success and increasing global dominance, stressing the industry's focus on sustainability and the importance of trade agreements in boosting flower exports to Russia.
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Ethiopia's Navy Sets Sail Again: What You Need to Know
After decades in dormancy, Ethiopia’s Navy is making a bold return under Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership—reviving a proud legacy and charting a new course for the future.
Here’s a quick look:
🛳Revived & Ready: Once disbanded in the 1990s, the Ethiopian Navy is back with a fresh logo and a growing role—including participation in flood relief in the Somali region;
🛳Training & Expansion: Officers are being trained abroad. Plans underway for a naval training center in Bishoftu and a naval academy in Bahir Dar;
🛳HQ in the Capital: Naval headquarters is in the works near Menelik Hospital and Jan Meda in Addis Ababa;
🛳Facility in Somaliland? A base was planned, but it's on hold following a new agreement with Somalia;
🛳Russian Support: Moscow has pledged help in modernizing Ethiopia’s naval power, reinforced by a recent Russian Navy delegation visit;
🛳Maritime Talent Pipeline: The Ethiopian Civil Maritime Institute trains over 500 marine engineers and electro-tech officers yearly—fueling the country’s maritime ambitions.
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Rwanda Says Western Accusations Mask Resource Ambitions in DR Congo
🗣Accusations by Western powers, including the US, UK, and Belgium, that Rwanda's support for rebels in the DRC, are a cover for "unspeakable economic interests," Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe told Turkish media.
Rwanda denies backing the M23 rebels despite accusations by the DRC and other countries.
A number of Western countries imposed sanctions earlier this year, prompting Rwanda to sever ties with former colonial ruler Belgium. Nduhungirehe criticized Belgium for leading the sanctions effort, making diplomatic relations difficult.
👉 While the M23 rebellion has displaced thousands since December, recent diplomatic efforts, led by the AU, offer renewed hope for de-escalation. A meeting in Qatar between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, the first since September 2022, is seen as a significant step.
🟠Nduhungirehe expressed regret over the timing of Western sanctions amid this promising diplomatic progress but noted that they did not have a serious economic impact on Rwanda.
🟠He reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue and emphasized the importance of continued talks.
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Ethiopian Government Announces Nearly $1.6 Million in Subsidies to Stabilize Macroeconomy
The government has announced 211.2 billion birr (about $1.6 million) in subsidies for fertilizers, medicines, oil, fuel, wages and safety nets for the first nine months of the current fiscal year to achieve stable macroeconomic productivity and competitiveness.
This was announced during a discussion on the implementation of the nine-month plan of the current fiscal year by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas.
The ministry’s report also indicated that several large irrigation projects, including Megech, Wolmel, Chelchel, Gode, Kesem and Tendaho, have shown significant progress and effectiveness in the past nine months.
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#viral |🌪 Sandstorm Sweeps Across Iraq & UAE
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