Ukrainian soldiers dismiss ceasefire talks as unrealistic while facing relentless Russian attacks. At a military hospital in eastern Ukraine, wounded troops arrive continuously, many hit by shrapnel from drones. "Murderers don’t agree so easily," says Maksym, a soldier. Medics, including foreign volunteers, remain skeptical, citing past failed truces. The 68th Jaeger Brigade trains for battle, doubting both Russian intentions and American commitments. "No one wants to hope," says Swedish medic Daniel. With Ukraine losing ground in Kursk and US military aid finally resuming, troops see little sign that peace is near. "You can’t trust Russia. Never," says another soldier.

Pakistani security forces stopped a major suicide bombing attempt near Jandola Fort in Tank District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A suicide bomber detonated explosives at a checkpoint’s southern gate, injuring 2 security personnel. Militants then opened fire, leading to heavy gunfire that killed 10 attackers. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the forces, calling their response an "exemplary end" to the assailants. The attack was claimed by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This incident follows the killing of 33 militants who hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan. Authorities continue investigating the identities of the attackers.

Donald Trump's planned tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals may raise drug costs for millions of Americans. India supplies nearly 50% of the US's generic drugs, saving $219B in 2022. Experts warn tariffs could worsen drug shortages, especially for hypertension and mental health medications. Indian firms, already operating on thin margins, may struggle with higher costs. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently visited the US to negotiate a deal. Trump claims India will cut tariffs, but no official confirmation has been given. Industry leaders caution that relocation to the US would be costly and take years.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England to bring healthcare "back into democratic control." The government says the move will cut costs and improve care, but thousands of jobs will be lost. The shutdown is expected to take two years. The opposition welcomes reforms but warns of major disruptions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS had become costly while delivering poor service. Experts say the decision could simplify healthcare management but does not solve the UK’s social care crisis. The government plans further reviews, but full changes may not happen until 2028.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has warned G7 countries about Donald Trump’s trade policies. As Canada prepares to host the G7 foreign ministers, she said if the U.S. can target Canada, then no country is safe. Joly criticised U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, calling them economic coercion. She also raised concerns about Trump’s comments suggesting Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Canada has retaliated with its own tariffs. Incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney called Trump’s trade war a crisis. Outgoing PM Justin Trudeau warned that even Canada’s democracy and sovereignty should not be taken for granted.

A top Kremlin aide has criticised the US-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal, calling it a temporary break for Ukraine’s military. Yuri Ushakov, President Putin’s adviser, said the plan does not help in achieving a lasting peace. He added that Russia wants a long-term solution that protects its interests. President Putin is expected to give a detailed response soon. Meanwhile, US officials have pushed for an unconditional ceasefire. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia’s silence shows it wants to continue the war. He hopes US pressure will force Moscow to stop fighting. The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for three years.

Vladimir Putin’s top aide, Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a mere “temporary respite” for Kyiv’s forces. Ushakov conveyed Russia’s stance to US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, asserting that Moscow sees no benefit in pausing hostilities. The proposal, shared on Wednesday, aimed to de-escalate tensions, but Russia remains skeptical. Meanwhile, Trump’s former Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow for talks with Putin. The rejection underscores deepening divides as the war continues with no resolution in sight.

US President Donald Trump vowed to impose new tariffs after the European Union (EU) and Canada retaliated against his latest steel and aluminium import taxes. "Whatever they charge us with, we're charging them," Trump stated, warning of "reciprocal" tariffs next month. Canada imposed a 25% tax on $20B worth of US goods, while the EU raised levies on $28B of American products. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the trade war, calling tariffs "bad for business and worse for consumers." Markets remained volatile as fears of escalating economic tensions grew.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan to meet survivors and commandos involved in the rescue operation following the Jaffar Express train hijacking by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants. The insurgents attacked the train en route from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 21 civilians and four troops. They detonated explosives on the railway track, forcing the train to halt inside a tunnel, and took passengers hostage. A two-day military operation ensued, resulting in the elimination of all 33 insurgents and the rescue of over 300 passengers. The military reported that the attack was orchestrated by leaders operating from Afghanistan, urging the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, clad in military attire, visited the Kursk region to command the swift expulsion of Ukrainian forces entrenched there since August 2024. The Russian military reported reclaiming over 86% of the previously occupied territory, including the strategic city of Sudzha, vital for Ukrainian supplies. The Kremlin emphasized the urgency of this operation ahead of upcoming ceasefire discussions with U.S. officials, as President Trump proposes a 30-day truce. Despite these developments, Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi asserted that Ukrainian troops would maintain their positions in Kursk as long as necessary, maneuvering strategically to minimize casualties. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, drawing international attention and involvement.