US aid cuts are having a devastating impact on millions of children worldwide, including five-year-old Ahmad from Jordan who relies on physiotherapy sessions to walk with crutches due to his spinal malformation. The US has cut 83% of its aid, affecting programs in countries such as Bangladesh and Mozambique that provide food and water to internally displaced people, including tens of thousands of children. The cuts will also impact vaccination programs, potentially leading to the deaths of an estimated 1.3 million children from vaccine-preventable diseases. NGOs like Save the Children and Solidarites International are struggling to cope with the reduced funding, forcing them to ration food and shut down vital services.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/millions-of-children-to-suffer-from-trump-aid-cuts/article_93f3a09b-d036-528a-bf6b-46021cd6c134.htmlThe US and South Korea have agreed to advance their government-to-government shipbuilding cooperation, with National Security Corps (NSCs) playing a central role. During a meeting between US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Hyundai Heavy Industries executive vice chairman Chung Ki-sun, the two parties discussed potential collaboration avenues in the shipbuilding sector. The agreement comes as the US seeks to secure $3 billion worth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Korean shipbuilders, with Hyundai potentially landing a 12-carrier deal.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-01/business/economy/US-Navy-secretary-hails-Korean-shipbuilding-during-HD-Hyundai-Hanwha-Ocean-shipyard-tours/2298176US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed an agreement to establish a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund in Washington, DC. The deal aims to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts following the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Trump has expressed support for the agreement, stating it would keep "bad actors" out of the country. However, he has also suggested that Ukraine may be willing to give up Crimea, a territory seized by Russia in 2014, which is a sticking point in negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any formal concession on Crimea, but has expressed support for Trump's diplomacy after a recent meeting at the Vatican.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14667139/Putins-brutal-response-US-Kyiv-minerals-deal-Russia-pounds-Ukraine-massive-drone-attack-Washington-signs-historic-accord.htmlUS Treasury officials and industry experts are warning that the administration's handling of US assets could lead to deeper damage to the country's economic strength. Citadel's Kenneth Griffin expressed concerns about potential harm to US Treasuries, while White House spokesperson Kush Desai assured that the Trump administration is committed to protecting the dollar. Analysts like Jens Nordvig and Gary Smith predict a "structural shift in asset allocations" as investors seek alternative reserve currencies, with some central banks diversifying away from the dollar. The share of US dollars in global FX reserves has fallen to 57.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 66% ten years ago.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1306930-after-100-days-under-trump-investors-reassess-the-allure-of-brand-usaThe US has agreed not to ask Ukraine to repay billions of dollars in aid given since Russia's invasion in 2022, with military aid from Washington being counted as its contribution to a fund. The deal includes long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, but does not specify any obligations on the US. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described it as a "win-win" for both sides, sending a signal to Russian leadership.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/us-ukraine-minerals-deal-what-we-know/article_dab618ba-9f68-5b2e-8b84-77ba4a24370f.htmlThe US and Ukraine have signed a deal to invest in Ukraine's rare earth deposits, with the US committing $300 million to develop one of the largest lithium deposits in Europe. The agreement, which lacks security guarantees for Ukraine, aims to secure long-term US investment as President Donald Trump has scaled back US security commitments worldwide. The joint Reconstruction Investment Fund will have equal voting rights and profits will be invested exclusively in Ukraine, with no debt repayment required. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated that Ukraine will have control over its subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/explained-why-us-ukraine-signed-historic-minerals-deal-how-it-will-work-8302650#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscrollThe US and Ukraine have established an economic partnership to support Ukraine's recovery following Russia's invasion, with no debt obligations involved.
https://www.ibtimes.sg/us-ukraine-sign-long-awaited-minerals-deal-two-months-after-white-house-showdown-between-trump-79723US officials have reached out to China via multiple channels for talks on tariffs that have significantly impacted markets and global supply chains. The US has imposed 145% duties on many Chinese products, while Beijing responded with 125% duties on imports from the US. Washington is seen as the more anxious party in negotiations, according to a Beijing-backed outlet citing sources.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/us-reach-out-china-tariff-talks-beijing-state-media-5101956The US and Ukraine have reached a deal over access to the country's natural resources, offering a measure of assurance to officials in Kyiv who had feared that President Donald Trump would pull back his support in peace talks with Russia. The agreement grants the US privileged access to new investment projects for developing Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/us-and-ukraine-sign-agreement-on-access-to-natural-resources-1