European Leaders Urge Ukraine Ceasefire, US-China Trade Talks Begin, Trump Firings Blocked

European Push for Ukraine Ceasefire

• 🇪🇺 European leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
• 🎯 They demanded Russia agree to a "Full, unconditional ceasefire" for at least 30-days and threatened to increase sanctions.
• 🤝 Zelenskyy's office reported a constructive call with President Trump following the European leaders' discussions.

US-China Trade Negotiations

• 🇨🇳 Face-to-face trade talks between the U.S. and China commenced in Switzerland, the first since President Trump imposed new tariffs.
• 📈 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and negotiator Jamieson Greer met with a Chinese delegation, with discussions set to continue.
• ⚖️ This round of talks did not expect a major breakthrough, despite previous tariff escalations from both sides, with U.S. tariffs reaching 145% and Chinese retaliatory tariffs at 125%.

Blocked Federal Workforce Firings

• 🏛️ A California judge temporarily halted the Trump administration's plans for mass firings across the federal workforce.
• ⚖️ Judge Susan Illston issued an emergency order barring two dozen federal agencies from personnel cuts and program closures, in response to a lawsuit by labor unions.
• 📜 The judge stated that while the President can seek agency changes, it must be done lawfully and with legislative cooperation for large-scale reorganizations.

Newark Mayor's Arrest and Pope's First Address

• 🚨 Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at an ICE detention center after an attempted unannounced visit with members of Congress.
• 🗣️ Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated Baraka was taken into custody for disregarding the law.
• ⛪ Pope Leo XIV held his first meeting with cardinals, highlighting developments in AI as a challenge to human dignity.
• 🙏 The Pope later made a surprise visit to a sanctuary and the tomb of Pope Francis.