Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday's Russian attack on Kyiv

Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday's Russian attack on Kyiv

KYIV (Reuters) -A two-year-old child was found dead in the rubble after Thursday's sweeping Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine's prime minister said on Friday, taking the death toll to 28, with over 150 wounded. The toddler was the third child to have died in the attack, in which Russia launched more than 300 drones and eight missiles in the early hours of Thursday morning. The other two underage victims were six and 17 years old, the head of Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak said. The rescue service said 16 of the injured were children, the largest number of children hurt in a single attack on Ukraine's capital since Russia started its full-scale invasion almost 3-1/2 years ago. City authorities declared Friday a day of mourning as rescue operations continued. "This morning, the body of a 2-year-old child was pulled from the rubble, bringing the total dead to 28, of which 3 are children," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on X, adding that over 150 people had been wounded. "The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice. What is lacking is not power — but will," Svyrydenko said. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, sharply criticized Russia's "disgusting" behavior against Ukraine but said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia. He has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

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August 01, 2025

Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday's Russian attack on Kyiv

Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday's Russian attack on Kyiv KYIV (Reuters) -A two-year-old child was found dead in the rubble after ...

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Relief in Southeast Asia as Trump's tariffs level playing field

Relief in Southeast Asia as Trump's tariffs level playing field

By Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty and Huey Mun Leong BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Southeast Asian countries breathed a sigh of relief on Friday after the U.S. announced tariffs on their exports that were far lower than threatened and levelled the playing field with a rate of about 19% across the region's biggest economies. U.S. President Donald Trump's global tariffs offensive has shaken Southeast Asia, a region heavily reliant on exports and manufacturing and in many areas boosted by supply chain shifts from China. Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia joined Indonesia and the Philippines with a 19% U.S. tariff, a month after Washington imposed a 20% levy on regional manufacturing powerhouse Vietnam, Southeast Asia - with economies collectively worth more than $3.8 trillion - had raced to offer concessions and secure deals with the United States, the top export market for much of the region. Its countries, many of them key players in the global supply chain, vied to stave off the prospect of losing market share to each other and of multinational firms shifting operations and orders elsewhere. Malaysia's Trade Ministry said its rate, down from a threatened 25%, was a positive outcome without compromising on what it called "red line" items. Thailand's finance minister said the reduction from 36% to 19% would help his country's struggling economy face global challenges ahead. "It helps maintain Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage, boosts investor confidence and opens the door to economic growth, increased income and new opportunities," Pichai Chunhavajira said. The extent of progress on bilateral trade deals with the United States was not immediately clear, with Washington so far reaching broad "framework agreements" with Indonesia and Vietnam, with scope to negotiate further. Pichai said Thailand was about a third of the way there. The United States on Friday slashed the tariff rate for Cambodia to 19% from earlier levies of 36% and 49%, a major boost for its crucial garments sector, its biggest economic driver and source of about a million manufacturing jobs. "If the U.S. maintained 49% or 36%, that industry would collapse in my opinion," Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and top trade negotiator Sun Chanthol told Reuters in an interview. STATUS QUO In Thailand and Malaysia, business groups cheered a tariff rate that could signal a maintenance of the status quo between rival markets, among them beneficiaries of so-called "China plus one" trade. "It's very good - we're on par with Indonesia and the Philippines and lower than Vietnam ... we're happy," said Werachai Lertluckpreecha of semiconductor manufacturer Star Microelectronics. Chookiat Ophaswongse of the Thai rice exporters association said the similar rate to Vietnam would maintain its share of the U.S. market, while Wong Siew Hai, president of Malaysia's semiconductor industry association, said the latest tariffs would level the competition. "I don't see the companies doing anything special. It will be business as usual for now, until they figure out what is the next best move," Wong said. Much remains to be worked out by the Trump administration, including non-tariff barriers, rules of origin and what constitutes transshipment for the purposes of evading duties, a measure targeting goods originating from China with no or limited value added, where a 40% tariff would apply. Vietnam has one of the world's largest trade surpluses with the United States, worth more than $120 billion last year, and has been often singled out as a hub for the illegal re-routing of Chinese goods to America. It was a first-mover in trade talks and reached an agreement in July that slashed a levy from a threatened 46% to 20%, but concerns remain among some businesses that its heavy reliance on raw materials and components imported from China could lead to a wider application of the 40% rate. "That is the real issue," said one businessman in Vietnam, who asked not to be named to allow him to speak more freely. Andrew Sheng of the University of Hong Kong's Asia Global Institute said the similar tariffs mean Southeast Asian countries should be relieved that policy uncertainty was over for now. "The tariff announcement looks like a classic Trump Art of the Deal deal - lots of hype and threats, and with one flourish, the other side feels that it has a reasonable deal," he said. (Reporting by Danial Azhar and Mandy Leong in Kuala Lumpur, Chayut Setboonsarng, Orathai Sriring, Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Martin Petty, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Devjyot Ghoshal in Bangkok and Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Andrew Heavens)

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August 01, 2025

Relief in Southeast Asia as Trump's tariffs level playing field

Relief in Southeast Asia as Trump's tariffs level playing field By Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty and Huey Mun Leong BANGKOK/KUALA LU...

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Trump's new tariffs give some countries a break, while shares and US dollar sink

Trump's new tariffs give some countries a break, while shares and US dollar sink

BANGKOK (AP) — U.S. PresidentDonald Trump's newtariff ratesof up to 41% on U.S. imports from dozens of countries drew expressions of relief Friday from some countries that negotiated a deal or managed to whittle them down from rates announced in April. Others expressed disappointment or frustration over running out of time after hitting Trump's Aug. 1 deadline for striking deals with America's trading partners. The new rates are due to take effect on Aug. 7, but uncertainty over what Trump might do next remains. The way ahead for China, which runs the largest trade surplus with the U.S., is unclear after talks earlier this week in Stockholm produced no deal. Trump has yet to say if he'll extend an Aug. 12 pause on painfully highimport dutieson Chinese products. The reaction from financial markets was muted. Benchmarks fell in Asia, with South Korea's Kospi dropping nearly 4% after the tariff rate for the U.S. ally was set at 15%. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen, trading at more than 150 yen per dollar. For Canada and Switzerland, regret and disappointment Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was disappointed by Trump's move to raise the U.S. tariff on goods from America's northern neighbor to 35% from 25%, effective Friday. Goods transshipped from unspecified other countries face a 40% import duty. Trump cited what he said was a lack of cooperation in stemming trafficking in illicit drugs across the northern border. He also slammed Canada's plan to recognize a Palestinian state and has expressed frustration with a trade deficit largely due to U.S. oil purchases. "Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes," Carney said in a statement. Many of Canada's exports to the U.S. are covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and face no tariff. But steel, lumber, aluminum and autos have been subject to still higher tariffs. Switzerland was reeling after Trump ordered a 39% tariff rate for the land of luxury watches, pharmaceuticals and financial services. That was up from his original proposal of a 31% duty. "The Federal Council notes with great regret that, despite the progress made in bilateral talks and Switzerland's very constructive stance from the outset, the U.S. intends to impose unilateral additional tariffs on imports from Switzerland," the government said in a post on X. It said it would continue to seek a negotiated solution. Still working on it New Zealand officials said Friday they would keep lobbying Trump to cut the 15% tariff he announced for their country's exports to the U.S., up from the original 10% baseline set in April. "We don't think this is a good thing. We don't think it's warranted," Trade Minister Todd McClay told Radio New Zealand. The exporter of meat, dairy, wine and farm machinery ran a $1.1 billion trade surplus with the U.S. in 2024, according to U.S. Trade Representative data. McClay said New Zealand exporters had reported they could absorb a 10% tariff or pass it on to U.S. consumers through increased costs. A further increase would "change the equation," he said. Neither New Zealand nor its neighbor Australia have struck tariff deals with the Trump administration. Australian steel and aluminum exports have faced a steep 50% tariff since June. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said the 10% overall tariff on Australia's exports to the United States was a vindication of his government's "cool and calm negotiations." But he said even that level was not justified. The U.S. exports twice as much to Australia as it imports from its bilateral free trade partner, and Australia imposes no tariffs on U.S. exports. Japan watches, while Taiwan keeps trying for a deal Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi was cautious in welcoming Trump's executive order setting Japan's tariff at 15% after the two sides worked out an agreement, much to Tokyo's relief. "We believe it is necessary to carefully examine the details of the measure," Hayashi said. "The Japanese government will continue to urge the U.S. side to promptly implement measures to carry out the recent agreement, including reducing tariffs on automobiles and auto parts." Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said the self-ruled island had yet to engage in final negotiations with the U.S. side owing to scheduling difficulties and that he was hopeful the final tariff rate would be reduced even further after a final round of talks. The Trump administration lowered its tariff for Taiwan to 20% from the originally proposed 32%. Taiwan is a key supplier of advanced semiconductors needed for many products and technologies. "20% from the beginning has not been our goal, we hope that in further negotiations we will get a more beneficial and more reasonable tax rate," Lai told reporters in Taipei Friday. The U.S. is Taiwan's largest ally even though it does not formally recognize the island. "We want to strengthen U.S. Taiwan cooperation in national security, tech, and multiple areas," Lai said. For some trading partners, relief that tariffs are lower than they might be Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who led his nation's trade talks with the United States, thanked Trump for setting the tariff rate on Cambodian goods at 19% and said his country will impose zero tariffs on American goods. The rate for Cambodia that Trump proposed in April was 49%, one of the highest in the world. He said the U.S. estimated average Cambodian tariffs on U.S. exports at 97%. Cambodia has agreed to up purchases of U.S. goods. Sun said it would purchase 10 passenger aircraft from Boeing in a deal they hoped to sign later this month. Several other nations had already announced similar aircraft purchase deals as part of their trade packages. Trump had threatened to withhold trade deals from Cambodia and Thailand if they didn't end an armed conflict over border territory. The two nations agreed on a ceasefire that began Tuesday. Thailand also is subject to a 19% tariff, a rate that its Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said "reflects the strong friendship and close partnership between Thailand and the United States." That was down from 36% proposed earlier. "The outcome of this negotiation signals that Thailand must accelerate its adaptation and move forward in building a stable and resilient economy, ready to face global challenges ahead," he said. For Bangladesh, a new 20% tariff warded off an earlier threat of a 35% import duty for the South Asian exporter of garments and other light manufactured goods. "That's good news for our apparel sector and the millions who depend on it," said Khalilur Rahman, the country's national security advisor and lead negotiator. "We've also preserved our global competitiveness and opened up new opportunities to access the world's largest consumer market" Rahman said. "Protecting our apparel industry was a top priority, but we also focused our purchase commitments on U.S. agricultural products. This supports our food security goals and fosters goodwill with U.S. farming states." ___ AP journalists from around the world contributed to this report.

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August 01, 2025

Trump's new tariffs give some countries a break, while shares and US dollar sink

Trump's new tariffs give some countries a break, while shares and US dollar sink BANGKOK (AP) — U.S. PresidentDonald Trump's newtari...

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Man in custody after a Virginia council member was set on fire over ‘a personal matter,’ police say

Man in custody after a Virginia council member was set on fire over 'a personal matter,' police say

A suspect is in custody after a Danville, Virginia, city council member was set on fire Wednesday morning by a man police say he knows. The attack on council member Lee Vogler "stems from a personal matter not related to the victim's position on the Danville City Council or any other political affiliation," police said in the statement. The suspect, who police identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, entered Vogler's place of employment, confronted him and doused him with an unknown flammable liquid, Danville police said in anews release. Andrew Brooks, the publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, said Vogler was attacked at the magazine's office. The man "forced his way into our office carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline and poured the gasoline on Lee," Brooks said in asocial media video. Vogler, 38, "attempted to flee" and the suspect followed him, according to Brooks. "The victim and suspect exited the building, where the suspect then set the victim on fire," police said in the statement. Buck Hayes fled the area, but witnesses provided a description of him and his vehicle. Brooks said Vogler was able to identify his alleged attacker. He was airlifted for medical treatment. The extent of Vogler's injuries is not clear at this time, police said. Vogler was taken to a burn unit at a hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Vogler's father Jack Vogler Sr.told The Associated Press. UNC Health declined to comment on the victim's condition, the AP reported. Buck Hayes is facing attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding charges, according to police. Buck Hayes requested and was assigned a court-appointed attorney, court officials said. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for September 30. Danville Public Defender Joseph Schenk said Wednesday "it would not be appropriate" for his office to represent Buck Hayes because he is friends with Vogler and has known him "personally and professionally for over a decade." Vogler, a Danville native, was the youngest person ever elected to the city council in May 2012, according to his biography on thecity council's website. He works as the managing partner for Andrew Brooks Media Group, a multimedia company that publishes regional magazines such as Showcase Magazine, the biography said. He is also the director of sales at Showcase Magazine, the publication said in a report on itssite. Officials, including Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, said Vogler was in their prayers and asked others to pray for him. "We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community," Youngkin said in asocial media post. Ina statement, Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones called the attack "an unthinkable act of violence." "Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting," Jones added. "Our Council is close. We've worked through challenges together —and now, we face this heartbreak together." "This type of senseless violence has to stop," Brooks said in the social media video. "You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way." The magazine also offered prayers to Vogler and his family. "We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence," the magazine said. "The Showcase Magazine team is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation." Virginia state Sen. Tammy Brankley Mulchi condemned the "deeply troubling attack" and said she supports efforts to bring the suspect to justice. "I have had the pleasure of getting to know Lee over the last couple of years and the one thing I know that he loves more than representing the people of Danville is the love of his family," the senator said in asocial media post. "I pray during this difficult time for his swift and complete recovery." Danville is in southern Virginia on the border of North Carolina. It is about one hour south of Lynchburg and approximately one hour north of Durham, North Carolina. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

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July 31, 2025

Man in custody after a Virginia council member was set on fire over ‘a personal matter,’ police say

Man in custody after a Virginia council member was set on fire over 'a personal matter,' police say A suspect is in custody after a ...

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Trump orders a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs

Trump orders a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. PresidentDonald Trumphas raised the tariff rate onU.S. imports from Canadato 35% from 25%, effective Friday. The announcement from the White House late Thursday said Canada had failed to "do more to arrest, seize, detain or otherwise intercept ... traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs." Trump has heckled Canada for months and suggestedit should become its 51st U.S. state. He had threatened to impose the highertariff on Canadaif no deal was reached by Friday, his deadline for reaching trade agreements with dozens of countries. Earlier Thursday, the president saidCanada's announcement it will recognize a Palestinian statewould "make it very hard" for the United States to reach a trade agreement with its northern neighbor. Prime Minister Mark Carney had tempered expectations over tariffs, saying Ottawa would only agree to a deal "if there's one on the table that is in the best interests of Canadians." In a statement released early Friday, he said he was disappointed by Trump's actions. "Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes," Carney said. He added that some industries — including lumber, steel, aluminum and automobiles — will be harder hit, but that the government will try to minimize the impact and protect Canadian jobs. Canada was not included in Trump's updatedlist of tariff rateson other countries announced late Thursday. Thoseimport dutiesare due to take effect on Aug. 7. Some imports from Canada are still protected by the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, which is up for renegotiation next year. The White House's statement said goods transshipped through Canada that are not covered by the USMCA would be subject to a 40% tariff rate. It did not say where the goods might originate.

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July 31, 2025

Trump orders a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs

Trump orders a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. PresidentDonald Trumph...

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