1. Trump Imposes "Liberation Day" Tariffs
On April 5, President Trump introduced a 10% tariff on global imports, dubbed 'Liberation Day' tariffs, sparking trade tensions. Markets saw volatility, with futures jumping up to 2%, as the U.S. and EU began negotiating a new trade deal to avoid further escalation.
2. U.S.-China Trade Truce Eases Economic Fears
A temporary cooling of the U.S.-China trade war in late April brought relief to markets, though economists warn the U.S. economic outlook remains weak, with a 35% recession risk still looming.
3. Ukraine Rejects Ceasefire in Putin-Trump Call
In a two-hour call, President Trump pushed for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, but President Zelenskyy accused Russia of buying time to prolong the war. The conflict, now on day 1,180, saw Russian forces capture Bahatyr in Donetsk.
4. Israel Lifts Gaza Aid Blockade
After an 11-week blockade, Israel allowed 15 aid trucks into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing in late April, responding to global outcry over famine risks. The move followed UN warnings of starvation threatening 14,000 babies.
5. Gaza Conflict Intensifies with New Israeli Offensive
Israel launched a new ground offensive in Gaza, dividing the enclave and displacing residents. Despite allowing some food aid, the 20-month war continues to devastate the region, drawing international criticism.
6. Germany Shifts Stance on Israel Over Gaza
Germany’s Foreign Minister announced Berlin would halt weapon exports to Israel if used to violate humanitarian law, signaling a tougher stance amid Gaza’s worsening crisis.
7. Russia Unleashes Drone Strikes on Ukraine
Russia launched nearly 370 missiles and drones on Ukraine, killing at least 12 in late April. Experts say the attacks aim to terrorize civilians and project strength amid ongoing losses.
8. Liverpool Car Ramming Sparks Fear
A car plowed into a crowd in Liverpool, injuring 65. The driver, a white British man, was arrested for attempted murder and drug-impaired driving. Police quickly released details to curb anti-Muslim rumors.
9. U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap Talks Advance
Trump and Putin discussed a nine-for-nine prisoner swap during their April call, aiming to normalize U.S.-Russia ties. The talks also covered Ukraine’s ceasefire, with EU leaders praising Trump’s efforts.
10. Iran Faces U.S. Tensions Over Nuclear Program
With no clear backup plan, Iran’s leadership grapples with U.S. pressure as Trump’s exit from the 2015 nuclear deal complicates talks. Intelligence suggests Israel may be planning strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
11. Crete Earthquake Shakes Tourist Sites
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Crete, prompting the closure of tourist sites for safety. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos assured that aftershocks were harmless.
12. Trump’s Oval Office Diplomacy Stirs Controversy
President Trump’s televised Oval Office meetings with world leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, have been dubbed 'Hunger Games' for their confrontational style, unsettling allies.
13. Walmart Faces Tariff Pressure
Trump urged Walmart to absorb tariff costs to avoid price hikes, with CEO Doug McMillon meeting the president to discuss impacts. Economists warn of potential consumer price surges.
14. Elon Musk Steps Back from Trump’s Circle
Once a key Trump ally, Elon Musk has reduced his political presence since April, with Trump’s posts about him dropping to zero. Analysts note a shift in their dynamic.
15. Pakistan School Bus Suicide Attack Kills Five
A suicide bomber targeted a school bus in southwestern Pakistan, killing three children and two adults. The attack highlights the region’s worsening security.
16. EU Prepares New Russia Sanctions
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced 'hard-hitting' sanctions on Russia in April, citing its aggressive actions in Ukraine and the Baltic Sea.
17. U.S. Budget Cuts Spark Debate
Republican lawmakers passed a budget blueprint in April, aiming to cut $880 billion from programs under the House Energy and Commerce Committee to eliminate waste.
18. Gaza School Airstrike Kills Dozens
An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school, which Israel claimed was a Hamas command center, killed dozens, including children, intensifying global calls for a ceasefire.
19. India-Pakistan Ceasefire Mediated
A U.S.-mediated cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced, easing tensions along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
20. Ukraine Signs Minerals Deal with U.S.
Ukraine inked a minerals deal with the Trump administration, aiming to boost its economy amid the ongoing war with Russia.