## Vance calls end of Ukraine aid 'one of the proudest' achievements of Trump administration

Authored by kyivindependent.com

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on April 14 that he is proud of Washington cutting off funding to Ukraine amid Russian aggression, listing it among the Trump administration's top achievements.

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia, Vance recalled being confronted by a Ukrainian-American over his calls to halt funding for Ukraine.

"And this person got really agitated at me because I was saying we should stop funding the Ukraine war," Vance said.

In a stark shift from the previous administration, U.S. President Donald Trump ended nearly all new aid to Kyiv, leaving Europe to foot the bill for Ukraine's defense.

European partners covered the vast majority of military assistance to Ukraine in 2025, including through the purchase of critically important Patriot interceptors and other American-made weapons.

Vance has been among the most vocal critics of aiding Ukraine within the Trump administration.

Zelensky hit back by pointing out that Vance is not involved in the peace talks, and that the officials who are would likely better understand the value of Ukrainian territory. »

### Trump blew his chance to get a deal and now his enemies smell blood

Authored by inews.co.uk

But what kind of deal does Trump need to show the American people that the war he launched was worth the estimated cost of $1bn per day?.

Crucially, Trump must be able to tell the US that whatever deal he’s agreed is far superior to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama.

Otherwise, what was the point of pulling out of the deal in 2018 and then launching an expensive war against Iran in 2026?. »

### Uncertainty over fuel supplies after major fire at oil refinery in Geelong

Authored by abc.net.au

An "unprecedented" fire has broken out in Geelong at one of the two remaining oil refineries producing fuel for Australians, raising concerns about fuel supplies.

Live updates: For the latest news on the Geelong oil refinery fire, read our blog.

Viva Energy's website stated that its Geelong refinery could process up to 120,000 barrels of oil a day, including "manufacturing petrol, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, avgas and Low Aromatic Fuel". »

### Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife dead in murder-suicide

Authored by wjla.com

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife are dead following a murder-suicide Thursday morning in Annandale, according to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD).

The agency's preliminary findings indicate Justin Fairfax, 47, shot his wife, Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself.

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife are dead following a murder-suicide Thursday morning, April 16, 2026, in Annandale. »

### El Salvador’s Bukele signs reforms allowing life prison sentences for people as young as 12

Authored by apnews.com

SAN SALVADOR (AP) — Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday signed into law constitutional reforms to permit life prison sentences for people as young as 12, a contentious reform that follows other heavy-handed measures pushed through by the populist leader.

Critics say the reforms are just the latest harsh move by Bukele more than four years into his war on gangs.

The sentencing changes are the latest in a slew of constitutional reforms jammed through by Bukele and his allies. »

## In pictures

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