The US imposes "tough" sanctions, Russia and China discuss military strategies.

1. The US imposes "tough" sanctions, Russia and China discuss military strategies.

US President Donald Trump is considering imposing further sanctions on Russia. Photo: NYbooks.

The Trump administration is planning to impose further sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its wealthy elite, alleging Russian interference in the 2016 US election and the poisoning of former double agent Skipertal.

The US move could push relations between Russia and the US to the brink of collapse, a situation that experts believe is even more dangerous and potentially risky than during the Cold War. In contrast to the US, China is seizing this opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with Russia and reaffirm the close economic and military ties between the two countries.

In reality, China needs Russia as a crucial partner to gain an advantage in the trade war with the US, as well as to enhance its influence in resolving the North Korean issue. Russia, on the other hand, needs China to curb pressure from the US and the West in its diplomatic struggle. Many experts believe that cooperation between Russia and China will make the US and its allies wary.

2. How do Russians survive in Ukraine when Poroshenko imposes so many restrictions?

How do Russians survive in Ukraine when Poroshenko imposes so many restrictions?

Russian-speaking people in Ukraine are currently suffering many injustices from anti-Russian policies; however, it is hoped that the situation will change for the better after the 2019 presidential election in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) intends to pass a law banning the use of any language other than Ukrainian in the service sector. This would directly affect at least six million Russian-speaking citizens in the country. However, mass protests are not welcome – arguing with Ukrainian authorities is not a wise course of action.

Svetlana Nowicka, a lawyer from Kyiv, stated that Russian speakers are being "Ukrainized" both morally and economically, yet they prefer to "adapt" to the situation rather than try to change it. A specific example is the trade in Russian-language books.

3. Russia is determined to shed light on the poisoning of former spy Skripal.

Experts from the OPCW arrived in Salisbury, the site of the poisoning of a former British spy, on March 21. Photo: Reuters.

Diplomatic tensions between Russia and the UK are hoped to soon ease as the secrets behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter on British soil are gradually being revealed, with both victims showing signs of recovery.

Meanwhile, Russia is also clearly demonstrating its determination to clarify the truth and clear its name from the accusations leveled against it in recent days, by requesting a special session of the UN Security Council at 7:00 PM GMT on April 5th, which is early this morning (Vietnam time).

The Interfax news agency revealed yesterday (April 5th) that Yulia Skripal, the daughter of the former Russian spy poisoned in Salisbury, England, called a cousin and said that both she and her father are recovering.

4. The Malaysian Prime Minister announces the dissolution of Parliament.

Najib Razak announced on television the dissolution of parliament.

Speaking on national television on April 6, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that he would dissolve parliament on April 7.

Najib Razak's five-year term will end on June 24th. However, the prime minister can dissolve parliament at any time before his term ends and call an election. Dissolving parliament would pave the way for a general election, which would be considered the most difficult ever for Najib's long-standing ruling coalition.

In his 25-minute televised speech, Najib outlined the reasons for dissolving parliament early. He also spoke about the country's achievements under his government's leadership over the past five years, as well as the initiatives his administration has launched.

5. Former President Park Geun-hye was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye appears in court on August 25, 2017. Photo: EFE.

A South Korean court sentenced Park to 24 years in prison in connection with a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment last year.

In a televised trial, the Seoul Central District Court on April 6 declared Park guilty of 16 corruption charges, including bribery, coercion, and abuse of power.YonhapShe was sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined 18 billion won (US$16.9 million).

She was found guilty of colluding with her former friend Choi Soon-sil to receive tens of millions of dollars from large corporations such as Samsung and Lotte, in order to help Choi's family and fund non-profit foundations owned by Choi.

6. Protests are erupting again at the Israeli border; will more Palestinian blood be shed?

Israeli soldiers used tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters from the Gaza Strip.

According to Sputnik news agency, tens of thousands of Palestinians will continue to gather in the border area between Israel and the Gaza Strip on April 6th, and this activity is expected to last until May 15th.

Earlier, during the March 30 protest, the Israeli army used force to suppress the Palestinians present, claiming that the protest was orchestrated by Hamas. According to a spokesperson for the Gaza Strip's Ministry of Health, at least 15 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,500 others were injured on the first day of the protest.

Eric Goldstein, Deputy Director for the Middle East at Human Rights Watch (HRW), issued a press release stating that "Israeli soldiers not only used excessive force, but also acted on orders that compelled a bloody Palestinian response."

7. Was Trump's announcement of withdrawing US troops from Syria just a "ploy"?

The US military is operating in Syria.

On April 5th, Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami emphasized that President Donald Trump's statement about the early withdrawal of US troops from Syria was merely a "ploy" by Washington.

“I was extremely surprised to hear the statement from Mr. Trump because the US plans a long-term presence in Syria and wants to divide the country. When I heard Mr. Trump's statement, I asked myself: Why would they make such an announcement? And from my perspective and experience, I believe it is a new conspiracy,” RT quoted Hatami as saying on the sidelines of the Moscow International Security Conference (MCIS).the 7th time.

According to Hatami, after Trump announced he would soon withdraw US troops from Syria, the top security generals under the US leader made contradictory comments. This demonstrates that the Trump administration is divided on policy regarding Syria.