Recent statements emanating from Beijing have cast doubt on assertions made by US President Donald Trump regarding direct communication with President Xi Jinping and ongoing tariff negotiations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that no such conversation had taken place recently, nor were bilateral consultations underway concerning tariffs.

This contradicts President Trump’s recent interview with Time magazine, where he claimed direct contact with President Xi and the existence of negotiations aimed at resolving the tariff dispute. Beijing has repeatedly denied these claims, accusing Washington of public misrepresentation.

While speculation regarding potential tariff reductions by the US side has circulated, China maintains that a resolution necessitates the complete removal of all unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States. The escalating tariff war has demonstrably impacted global markets and commercial operations, prompting China to exempt select US imports and downplay the overall impact on its economic growth. The discrepancy in narratives underscores the complexities inherent in the current US-China trade relationship.

Russian authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to the car bomb assassination of General Yaroslav Moskalik, which occurred outside Moscow on Friday. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has identified the suspect as Ignat Kuzin, allegedly a Ukrainian agent.

According to the FSB, Kuzin is accused of rigging a Volkswagen Golf with an improvised explosive device sourced from a Ukrainian intelligence cache. The device was reportedly detonated remotely from Ukrainian territory.

The FSB has released video footage of Kuzin’s arrest.

While Kyiv has yet to comment on the incident, the attack bears resemblance to previous targeted assassinations of military personnel and prominent supporters of the Kremlin’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine. The investigation remains ongoing.

On April 25, 2025, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the remand of musician Terry Alexander Ejeh, known professionally as Terry Apala, to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. This order stems from allegations of Naira note mutilation, a charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr. Ejeh is accused of trampling on Naira notes while dancing at a social event on January 5, 2025, an act deemed to contravene Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

While the defense counsel requested bail and offered assurances of Mr. Ejeh’s compliance, the prosecution opposed the application. Justice Aluko subsequently dismissed the defense’s request and adjourned the matter to May 5, 2025, for a formal hearing of the bail application. Until then, Mr. Ejeh remains in custody.