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On April 30, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a statement announcing that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, had officially signed an agreement. The two countries will jointly invest in Ukraine’s mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, and other natural assets. The agreement establishes the "U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund," aimed at enabling "both countries to collaborate and co-invest to ensure that our shared assets, talents, and capabilities accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery."

While the latest version of the agreement does not provide Ukraine with any specific security guarantees, it does affirm that Kyiv and Washington agree the pact confirms a "long-term strategic alliance" between the two nations and underscores the U.S. commitment to "Ukraine’s security, prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into the global economic framework." The agreement makes no mention of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.

An earlier version of the agreement, submitted by Bessent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February, was rejected. That version framed the deal as a way for Washington to recoup the costs of military aid to Ukraine and lacked assurances regarding Ukraine’s future security. After revisions, a preliminary version was scheduled for signing during Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. in February. However, those plans were derailed when Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Zelenskyy during a live media event.

The latest draft adjusts several key aspects from previous versions, including changes in language and the removal of provisions that would have violated EU laws by offering preferential treatment to U.S. investors. Additionally, it eliminates the clause that previously required Ukraine to repay the U.S. for past military aid.

According to AFP, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on state television that the agreement is "fair, equal, and mutually beneficial." He emphasized that "the two countries will establish a reconstruction investment fund, with each side holding 50% of the voting rights. All profits from the fund will be reinvested into Ukraine." He also stressed that "Ukraine retains full control over its underground resources, infrastructure, and natural assets," and will not be required to repay any "debt" stemming from the billions of dollars in weapons and other aid the U.S. has provided since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Canada held its 45th federal House of Commons election on the 28th, in which the Liberal Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Mark Carney, secured a majority of seats, ensuring Carney's re-election. In his victory speech, Carney emphasized the need for national unity in the face of threats from the United States. He stated bluntly that U.S. President Donald Trump wants Canada's land, resources, and sovereignty—but firmly declared that such ambitions will never be realized.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, conceded defeat in the federal election and stated that he would work with the Liberal government to confront President Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. According to international media reports, Poilievre stressed that the Conservatives would focus on defending Canada’s interests by cooperating with the Prime Minister and other parties to resolve tariff issues and protect national sovereignty.

In the election held on the 28th, all 343 seats in the House of Commons were contested. The ruling Liberal Party won 168 seats, securing victory, with Carney continuing as Prime Minister. The Conservative Party came in second with 144 seats. However, the Liberals fell short of the 172 seats needed for a majority, and will need to form a coalition government with other parties. This marks the fourth consecutive election victory for the Liberal Party.

Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about Canada becoming the “51st state” sparked a wave of patriotism across the country, boosting Carney’s popularity. Running on his strong economic credentials, Carney campaigned on reducing Canada’s dependence on the U.S., while the Conservatives focused on issues such as the housing crisis and the rising cost of living. Carney previously served as the governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

The Liberal victory is seen as driven by voter resistance to the Conservatives, backlash against Trump’s tariff policies, and the return of center-left voters after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. While the election highlighted the growing strength of the Conservatives, minority governments in Canada often face challenges to long-term stability.

On April 28, the European Court of Justice, the highest court in the European Union, ruled that the Republic of Malta's sale of so-called "golden passports" violates EU law and ordered the immediate termination of the program. The court stated that selling these passports amounts to turning nationality and EU citizenship into a commercial transaction, undermining trust and cooperation among member states.

The court ruled that Malta’s long-running "golden passport" scheme contravenes EU regulations. The program allowed non-EU nationals to obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, thereby granting them free movement and residency rights across EU member states.

The court acknowledged that the granting of nationality falls within the sovereign rights of member states. However, it emphasized that if such actions affect the collective interests and identity of the EU, they must adhere to fundamental EU legal principles. The ruling stressed that Malta’s approach treats EU citizenship as a commodity, violating the “genuine link principle” and core EU values.

The case was brought by the European Commission, which accused the Maltese government of granting citizenship solely based on investment, without requiring genuine residence, language skills, or cultural integration. The Commission argued this practice poses risks to the EU system, including money laundering, tax evasion, and security vulnerabilities.

The Maltese government expressed "regret" over the ruling but pledged to comply with the decision and review its policies accordingly. Over the past decade, Malta’s golden passport program has attracted hundreds of wealthy applicants from Russia, China, the Middle East, and elsewhere, generating hundreds of millions of euros in revenue.

The European Commission welcomed the ruling, calling it a significant legal precedent for other member states still operating similar schemes. It stated that it will step up scrutiny of nationality and residency programs across the EU to ensure legal consistency and safeguard the Union’s security.

On April 28, the Vatican announced that the papal conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7. The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel and may last several days. Prior to this, more than 180 cardinals had been engaged in informal meetings in Rome, where they reached a consensus to convene the conclave. According to the Vatican’s official website, as of April 6, there are 252 cardinals worldwide. Of the 135 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis.

On the opening day, the cardinals will attend a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, to pray for the election. That afternoon, eligible cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave. To elect a new pope, a two-thirds majority vote is required—a process that could take several days.

To prepare for the conclave, the Sistine Chapel was closed on April 29. Voting will begin with one round on the first afternoon, followed by two rounds each morning and afternoon on subsequent days. Black smoke from the chapel’s chimney will signal an inconclusive vote, while white smoke will indicate that a new pope has been elected. Once elected, a solemn papal inauguration ceremony will follow, during which the new pontiff will formally take possession of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and confront various challenges, including the Vatican’s financial crisis.

A massive explosion and fire broke out at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on the 26th, leaving at least 40 people dead and over 1,000 injured. Officials from Hormozgan Province stated that the fire is still ongoing, with thick smoke engulfing the affected area, which lies approximately 23 kilometers from the provincial capital, Bandar Abbas. In response to the emergency, all local schools and offices have been closed to concentrate resources on rescue efforts.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear. According to The New York Times, the incident may have been triggered by an explosion of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in solid rocket fuel; however, Iran’s Ministry of Defense has denied any involvement of military fuel or materials. Port customs officials indicated that the fire may have originated from a warehouse storing hazardous chemicals. Located more than 1,000 kilometers south of Tehran, Shahid Rajaee Port is Iran’s most advanced container port and lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which one-fifth of the world's oil supply is transported.

On the 27th, Iranian President Pezeshkian arrived in Bandar Abbas to visit rescue workers and the injured, pledging full support for the victims and their families. He has ordered an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Russia has dispatched firefighting experts and specialized aircraft to assist in controlling the blaze and minimizing damages.

Pope Francis' funeral was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, drawing leaders and faithful from around the world. It became one of the largest papal funerals in the past two decades.

Delegations from over 150 countries attended the ceremony, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Among those present to pay their respects were U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Prince William of the United Kingdom. Due to the Vatican’s seating arrangement based on the French alphabetical order, President Trump was seated in the third row, apart from President Zelensky.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 due to a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88. In the three days prior to the funeral, approximately 250,000 faithful visited St. Peter’s Basilica to view his body. The funeral Mass, lasting about 90 minutes, was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. The ceremony was simple and solemn, in keeping with Pope Francis’ lifelong commitment to humility and service.

Unlike previous popes, Pope Francis chose to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a place he frequently visited for prayer. He was laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin, engraved only with the Latin name "Franciscus," reflecting his dedication to a modest lifestyle.

To accommodate the massive crowds and high-profile guests, around 8,000 security personnel were deployed by the Vatican and Rome authorities. Anti-drone systems, snipers, fighter jets, and naval forces were also on standby to ensure safety. The funeral took place during the Catholic Jubilee Year, which brought various infrastructure upgrades in Rome that helped manage the flow of people and traffic.

Pope Francis was the first non-European pontiff in nearly 800 years. During his papacy, he pushed for Church reform and emphasized care for the poor, migrants, and the environment, promoting humility and inclusivity. Despite resistance from conservative factions, he remained committed to modernizing the Church. With his passing, the Vatican will convene a conclave after May 6 to elect the next pope, a decision watched closely by Catholics and global observers alike.

On the 24th, Pakistan announced the closure of its border with India, the shutdown of its airspace to Indian aircraft, and the suspension of its water-sharing treaty with India in retaliation for a recent armed attack in Kashmir. In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs declared the closure of the main border checkpoint between the two nations, the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, the suspension of visa services, and the revocation of all visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens. India also immediately suspended the bilateral water-sharing agreement.

Regarding the Kashmir attack, India claimed Pakistan was involved, while Pakistan denied any connection and accused India of failing to provide evidence. On the evening of the 24th, gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani military forces near the Line of Control in Kashmir. The situation escalated rapidly, with Pakistan using light weapons and India retaliating. However, no civilian areas were targeted, and no casualties were reported.

Pakistan issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt to divert water resources would be considered an act of war. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan would respond equally to any Indian aggression and warned that the Kashmir attack could potentially lead to war between the two countries. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Meanwhile, the United Nations urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive and haphazard tariff policies have caused turbulence in the global economy. Now, attorneys general from 12 U.S. states have jointly filed a lawsuit against him, accusing Trump of abusing the *International Emergency Economic Powers Act* (IEEPA). They argue that his unilateral imposition of tariffs is unlawful and are asking the court to block federal agencies from enforcing the tariff policy. According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to set tariff policies.

The lawsuit is being led by the state of Oregon, whose international trade and sportswear industries have been significantly impacted by the tariffs. Other participating states include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stated, “When a president pushes illegal policies that drive up the cost of living — including utilities and groceries — we cannot stand by. These tariffs affect our daily lives, from the grocery store to the hospital. We must fight back.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James said Trump had promised to lower prices and reduce the cost of living, but these unlawful tariffs would instead lead to more inflation, job losses, and economic damage.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed the lawsuit as a "political witch hunt," asserting that the administration would continue using its legal powers to address national emergencies such as illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and the trade deficit.

California had already filed a similar lawsuit last week, claiming that Trump’s tariff policies and trade war have harmed the state’s economy. Advocacy groups such as the Center for Free Justice and the New Civil Liberties Alliance have also joined the legal action.

A terrorist attack recently occurred in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in at least 26 deaths and dozens of injuries. An armed group has claimed responsibility, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a statement condemning the attack.

At 3 p.m. on the 22nd, gunmen launched a terrorist attack in the scenic resort town of Pahalgam, a well-known summer retreat in India. The attackers reportedly used nearby forest cover to infiltrate from the surrounding mountains before opening fire on tourists. At least 26 people were killed, most of whom were Indian tourists. Due to the area's limited accessibility—only reachable on foot or horseback—the Indian government deployed helicopters to evacuate the injured. Local police have sealed off the area and launched a full-scale manhunt.

Preliminary investigations suggest that around five to seven suspects were involved. On the 23rd, Indian security forces released photos and sketches of three male suspects, stating that they are Pakistani nationals. The Resistance Front, a faction under Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—one of South Asia’s largest and most active Islamist terrorist organizations—has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, returned to India urgently. He strongly condemned the attack as a heinous act and reaffirmed India’s strengthened resolve to combat terrorism. He convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss countermeasures. Following the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri announced several responses: in addition to heightened domestic security measures, the Attari Integrated Check Post at the border has been temporarily closed. Pakistani nationals currently in India on SVES visas must leave within 48 hours, and further entry is now banned. Additionally, the *Indus Waters Treaty*, which governs shared water resources between India and Pakistan, has been suspended with immediate effect.

Although armed conflicts have been frequent in the Kashmir region, they had been on the decline in recent years. However, the scale of this civilian-targeted attack marks a significant and troubling escalation.

Pope Francis gives a thumbs up after receiving the scroll of “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace” from Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL.