President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected a reported proposal from the United States suggesting the cession of Crimea to Russia. Speaking in South Africa, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s unwavering stance on the peninsula, emphasizing that such a concession is incompatible with Ukrainian law and its constitution, which designates Crimea as an integral part of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s statement follows criticism from former President Trump, who has accused the Ukrainian leader of intransigence in negotiating a peace settlement. The timing also coincides with a recent escalation of hostilities, including deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv that prompted Zelenskyy to cut short his African tour.

Addressing the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy lamented the lack of international pressure on Russia to pursue a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the devastating toll on Ukrainian civilians. He underscored Ukraine’s willingness to engage in negotiations within the bounds of its legal and constitutional framework. The future of Crimea remains a key point of contention, highlighting the complex challenges in achieving a lasting peace.

Ford Motor Company has announced a pause in the shipment of select vehicle models, including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco SUV, and Lincoln Navigator, from the United States to China. This decision stems from escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs imposed on US-manufactured vehicles, reportedly reaching rates as high as 150%.

The company acknowledged the detrimental impact of the current trade environment in a recent statement. Despite the suspension of vehicle exports, Ford will continue supplying US-built engines and transmissions to the Chinese market. The Lincoln Nautilus, produced within China, remains unaffected by the halt, although it is still subject to existing tariffs.

The “on-again, off-again” trade policies are placing considerable strain on automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Industry analysts predict significant cost increases for automakers due to the tariffs, potentially totaling $108 billion by the end of 2025. Ford is reportedly contemplating price increases on new vehicles to offset the financial burden imposed by these ongoing trade challenges. While largely producing its vehicles domestically, the company may still need to adjust pricing to preserve profitability in the face of escalating tariff costs.

The Kremlin announced Monday that President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis. In a message addressed to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, President Putin acknowledged the late Pope’s significant role in fostering dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Furthermore, he recognized Pope Francis’ contribution to constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See. The Russian leader conveyed his “sincere condolences” and offered words of “sympathy and support” to the Catholic clergy during this period of mourning. The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, citing pneumonia as the cause of death for the first Latin American pontiff.