Zelenskyy meets Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more support from Germany against Russia

BERLIN (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country is one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters, as Kyiv battles to defeatRussia’s all-out invasion, now in its fifth year.

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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was also holding talks with his counterpart, Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian digital transformation chief who took up his new post in January and is credited with advancingmilitary drone technology.

U.S.-led effortsto end Russia's war on Ukraine have recently petered out as theIran wargrips the Trump administration’s attention, although Tammy Bruce, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the U.N. Security Council on Monday that Washington “will continue to push for a negotiated and durable end” to the war.

Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting aspring offensivestarted by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.

Meanwhile, the long-range drones and missiles that Kyiv designs and produces are repeatedly striking oil facilities and manufacturing plants deep inside Russia.

Ukraine “is in a much better place than it has been at any stage in this horrific war,” Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Monday.

Ukraine “is on top from a military perspective,” Stubb claimed, noting that last month Ukraine fired more drones and missiles at Russia than Russia launched at Ukraine.

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Moscow has also claimed progress on the battlefield. Independent verification of each side’s claims was not possible.

Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine. That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.

Ukraine is desperately short of cash and needs a promised 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) loan from the European Union. That was beingheld upby Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, but his departure as prime minister after weekend elections could free up the sum.

Kyiv is also heavily reliant on U.S. intelligence for targeting inside Russia and needs more sophisticated American-made air defense systems to stop Russian missile attacks on its power grid. If the Iran war drags on, it could erode vital U.S. support for Kyiv,Zelenskyy fears.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing some 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Fedorov, the defense minister, said in January.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine athttps://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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April 16, 2026

Zelenskyy meets Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more support from Germany against Russia

BERLIN (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country is one...

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Pakistan pushing for Round 2 of "Islamabad Process" after failed Iran talks

A senior Pakistani government official confirmed to CBS News that Islamabad has intensified diplomatic efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table over theIran war.

Despite the lack of a breakthrough in the historic face-to-face round oftalks over the weekend, Pakistani authorities said they remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for continued engagement between both sides.

Notably, there appears to be an element of rebranding underway, with officials now increasingly referring to the "Islamabad Talks" as the "Islamabad Process," a shift that suggests an effort to frame the engagement as an ongoing diplomatic track rather than a one-off meeting.

The top-level source also said Monday thatPakistanis in active contact with both Washington and Tehran, urging them to resume dialogue at the earliest opportunity. The primary objective is to reach a workable understanding before thecurrent ceasefire— set to expire around April 22 — ends in order to prevent a return to all-out-war. Efforts are now underway to facilitate a second round of talks within this narrow window.

According to the source, these diplomatic initiatives are being pursued under the direct instructions of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Both played a key role in bringing the two sides together, were present at varying times throughout the 21 hours of inconclusive talks, and have been working intensely to move the process forward.

CBS News has been told Pakistan is now waiting for responses from both the U.S. and Iran.On Monday, Qatar's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart that Iran and the U.S. should engage positively with mediation efforts, warning that maritime routes must not be used as "bargaining tools."Qatari Foreign Minister and Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "also emphasised the need to open maritime routes, guarantee freedom of navigation, and refrain from using them as a tool for pressure or bargaining," according to the foreign ministry'sXaccount.

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Pakistan, a nuclear power with a population of 250 million, has been trying to rebrand itself to attract investment and stabilize its crippled economy.

Successfully mediating such peace talks would be a diplomatic coup and go some way toward helping the nation's desire to be seen as a global player.

If the current ceasefire holds, Pakistan may have some wiggle room as it tries to bring the Americans and Iranians back around the table.

But with U.S. threats to blockade theStrait of Hormuz, and Iranian promises to retaliate, officials might be counting the time they have at their disposal in hours, rather than days.

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Pope Leo responds to Trump following his criticism over the Iran war

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April 16, 2026

Pakistan pushing for Round 2 of "Islamabad Process" after failed Iran talks

A senior Pakistani government official confirmed to CBS News that Islamabad has intensified diplomatic efforts to bring Tehran and Wash...

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Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia picks up emotional save on healthcare appreciation night months after his daughter's death

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia took the mound at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night in what — to that point — had been a fantastic game. Thanks to a late RBI single by new addition Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers wereclinging to a 2-1 lead. And with regular close Edwin Diaz sidelined with arm fatigue, it fell to Vesia to close things out in the ninth inning.

He rose to the occasion, turning in a dominant performance to pick up his second save of the season. Vesia struck out the side on just 10 pitches and showed some emotion after securing the final out of the contest.

There was a good reason for that. Tuesday was healthcare appreciation night at Dodger Stadium, and some of the staff of healthcare workers who cared for Vesia and his family last October — whenhis infant daughter Sterling died— were in the stands to support the Dodgers reliever.

Those healthcare workers made their presence felt during the contest, as the Dodgers broadcast cut to them after every one of Vesia’s strikeouts. Each time they were shown on the broadcast, the healthcare workers were animatedly cheering for Vesia.

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After the game, Vesia nearly started crying when asked about the healthcare workers being at the game.

During an on-field, postgame interview, Vesia pointed to the healthcare workers in the suite and called it a “very emotional day.” He added, “Everyone up there played a very, very, very big part. [My wife] Kay and I are just so happy to be able to share today. For me to get a save, it’s unbelievable.”

Vesia missed the 2025 World Series due to his daughter’s death. With the team still in the thick of the playoffs, Vesia stepped away due to a “deeply personal family matter.” Throughout the series, Vesia was shown support by both the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, whopaid tribute to the relieveron the field during the World Series.

A few days after the World Series ended, Vesia announced thedeath of his infant daughter Sterling. In his post, Vesia thanked the Dodgers, their fans and the Blue Jays for their actions as he and his family were dealing with the loss.

Vesia returned to pitch for the team this season, and is off to an excellent start. Through 7 1/3 innings, he’s yet to give up a run. He’s struck out nine hitters and picked up two saves early on and credited Dodgers fans for showing support and hyping him up before each appearance.

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April 16, 2026

Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia picks up emotional save on healthcare appreciation night months after his daughter's death

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia took the mound at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night in what — to that point — had been a fantasti...

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Trump says Iran war "close to over" amid push for new peace talks

Family of influencer who died on trip with fiancé in Zanzibar says "it doesn't make any sense"

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Swalwell accusers detail their accusations and share why they were afraid to speak out

Trump says a new round of talks with Iran could happen soon

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April 16, 2026

Trump says Iran war "close to over" amid push for new peace talks

Family of influencer who died on trip with fiancé in Zanzibar says "it doesn't make any sense" Advertisement Swalw...

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Trump criticizes Pope Leo’s stance on Iran war, says he’s ‘not a fan’ of Catholic leader

President Donald Trump strongly criticizedPope Leo XIVon Sunday evening, denouncing hisstance on the Iran warand saying he’s “terrible for foreign policy.”

“We don’t like a pope that’s going to say that it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon. … He’s a man that doesn’t think that we should be toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world,” Trump told reporters, adding, “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”

Leo, the first American pope, hasbecome increasingly vocalabout the US and Israel’s war with Iran, last week condemning Trump’s rhetoric and threats against the people of Iran as “truly unacceptable.”

That comment was prompted by Trump’s threat that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in the hours before a two-week ceasefire with Iran was struck.

Both Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth,have invoked Godin public messaging during the conflict, with Hegseth framing the war effort as divinely supported and even using scriptural justification.

Leo has pushed back against this idea.

“Jesus is the king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said on Palm Sunday. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.”

The president’s remarks about the pope on Sunday night came shortly after he posted a similar lengthy critique of the pontiff onTruth Social.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote, going on to say he doesn’t want a pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon or who thinks it’s “terrible that America attacked Venezuela.”

After the US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January,the pope calledfor the “will of the Venezuelan people” to be respected and a return to stability in the country.

“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States,” Trump said.

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The president went on to claim Leo “wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”

Responding to Trump’s comments, Vatican Official Fr Antonio Spadaro, said Trump was taking aim at “a moral voice” because he “cannot contain it.”

“Trump doesn’t debate Leo: he begs him to retreat into a language that he can dominate. But the Pope speaks another language, one that refuses to be reduced to the grammar of force, of security, of national interest,” said Spadaroon X.

“The attack is a declaration of impotence … If Leo were irrelevant, he wouldn’t merit a word. Instead, he is called out, named, fought: a sign that his word cuts deep,” he said.

Pope Leo has previously spoken out against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

“The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue to build a lasting peace, founded on justice, fraternity and the common good,” he said last June, as Trump was weighing striking Iran’s nuclear sites.

Trump’s comments Sunday came shortly after CBS News’ “60 Minutes”aired a storyfeaturing senior American cardinals voicing their support for pope’s stance on the war and his previous opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

CNN has reached out to the White House on whether Trump was reacting to the “60 Minutes” report.

Shortly after Trump’s comments, the presidentposted an imageto Truth Social depicting himself as a Christ-like figure healing a sick person with American flags and eagles in the background.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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Trump criticizes Pope Leo’s stance on Iran war, says he’s ‘not a fan’ of Catholic leader

President Donald Trump strongly criticizedPope Leo XIVon Sunday evening, denouncing hisstance on the Iran warand saying he’s “terrible ...

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Mike Trout vs. Aaron Judge turns into starry slugfest of 3-time MVPs as Yanks edge Angels 11-10

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout vs. Aaron Judge transformed a baseball game into a heavyweight slugfest.

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Trout's second home run of the game bounced off the back wall behind the Angels bullpen in left-center, giving Los Angeles a two-run, eighth-inning lead on a night when Judge had homered twice to put the New York Yankees ahead.

Only there was more drama after a pair of three-time MVPs both homered twice in the same game for the first time in 70 years.

Trent Grisham hit his second home run of the evening — and season — to tie the score in the ninth inning. José Caballero trotted home on Jordan Romano's game-ending wild pitch that gave the Yankees a pulsating11-10 winMonday and stopped a five-game losing streak.

“It was great. That’s baseball for you,” Trout marveled. "It’s what fans want, and to be able to see something like that, pretty cool.”

Only once before had a pair of players already three-time MVPs each homered twice in game, according to STATS Perform.

After Stan Musial had gone deep twice, Roy Campanella hit a tying, three-run drive in the ninth for his second of the game and Don Zimmer followed with a walk-off single to lead the Brooklyn Dodgers over the St. Louis Cardinals 9-8 at Ebbets FIeld on June 21, 1956.

And Trout nearly hit a third. He flied out to Cody Bellinger in front of the center-field wall, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth inning after the Angels tied the score 4-all with four unearned runs following Caballero's error on Trout's leadoff grounder to shortstop.

Judge had looked forward to crossing paths with Trout in a Yankee Stadium weight room.

“I was going to talk some smack to him after the one he hit all the way to the warning track,” Judge said, “but I didn’t get a chance to and then he answers right back with two big homers for him. You put that guy in a clutch situation, a big moment and he’s going to show up every single time, so it’s fun going back and forth with a guy like that, especially in New York and the Bronx.”

New York had lost five straight after an 8-2 start and had been 0-6 in one-run games.

There were seven home runs that traveled a total of 2,846 feet — more than half a mile — with the Yankees hitting five. Judge's first went 456 feet deep into the left-field bleachers and left the bat at 116.2 mph, the hardest-hit home run of the season.

Grisham and Trout each had five RBIs, and Judge had three.

Baseball's top four active home run leaders were all in the game. Judge, with 374, moved one ahead of teammate Paul Goldschmidt. New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who leads active players with 454, missed by about a foot with a double off the center-field wall in the fifth. Trout has 408 homers.

Trout, 34, won AL MVPs in 2014, '16 and '19 but has struggled with injuries for much of the past five seasons.

“He’s the greatest of all time. It’s been fun to watch his whole career, coming up at such a young age and instantly just putting yourself at the top of the list. It's special," Judge said.

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Judge, who turns 34 on April 26, won AL MVPs in 2022, ‘24 and ’25.

“Those are two of the greats, so it’s really fun to watch,” Yankees starter Will Warren said.

Judge and Caballero each hit a two-run homer off Yusei Kikuchi for a 4-0 second-inning lead on an unseasonably warm 77-degree night. After Caballero’s error led to the unearned runs off Warren, Grisham pinch hit in the fifth and connected for a three-run drive against Shaun Anderson for a 7-4 lead.

Trout countered with a three-run homer in the sixth against Jake Bird, who was demoted to Triple-A after the game.

Judge’s homer off Anderson leading off the bottom half gave him 47 multi-homer games, one more than Mickey Mantle and trailing only Babe Ruth’s 68 among Yankees.

“To be surrounded by some greats like that, it’s special,” Judge said.

Josh Lowe knotted the score at 8 with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly, and Trout’s two-run drive in the eighth off Camilo Doval put the Angels ahead 10-8 with his 31st multi-homer game. Judge, watching from right field, shook his head.

“Every time he comes to the Bronx, man, he puts on a show," Judge said. "I hate to see it, but it’s fun competing against a guy like that.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled to start the ninth against Jordan Romano, and Grisham reached down and pulled a slider into the right-field seats as the closer put both hands on his head.

Caballero doubled and stole third without a throw. And after Austin Wells walked, Caballero scored when Romano bounced a full-count slider to Ryan McMahon to the backstop on the ninth pitch of the plate appearance.

New York had not won a game while allowing double-digit runs since beating Minnesota 14-12 on July 23, 2019.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone described his own feelings as “tough ... for the belly.”

Then he switched his thoughts to his players.

“You get a lead, then you get another lead, and then it’s gone,” he said. "For the guys, maybe it was good to have a game like that where it was a little messy."

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/mlb

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April 15, 2026

Mike Trout vs. Aaron Judge turns into starry slugfest of 3-time MVPs as Yanks edge Angels 11-10

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout vs. Aaron Judge transformed a baseball game into a heavyweight slugfest. Angels Yankees Baseball T...

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No. 1 WNBA Draft Pick Azzi Fudd Headed to Dallas Wings, Same Team as Girlfriend Paige Bueckers

Azzi Fudd has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft

NEED TO KNOW

• She'll join her girlfriend, Paige Bueckers, on the Dallas Wings

• Both athletes played college basketball for the University of Connecticut, and went public with their relationship in July 2025

Azzi Fuddand her girlfriendPaige Bueckersare staying together!

On Monday, April 13, Fudd, a 23-year-old Virginia native and former UConn Huskies star, was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She will be heading to the Dallas Wings — which just happens to be the same team as Bueckers, 24.

“I’m excited to play again with Paige,”Fudd saidwhile speaking to ESPN after the pick. The couple played at the University of Connecticut, and won a national championship together in 2025.

“She’s an incredible person,” Fudd continued of her girlfriend. “An incredible player, and it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

The room erupted in cheer as Fudd’s interview played on a large screen inside The Shed at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City. Bueckers, who was seated in the audience, was seen smiling as she watched Fudd gush about their future during her big moment.

PEOPLE also caught up with Fudd at the draft, where she shared the helpful tips she’s gotten from her peers, including Bueckers.

“I feel like the advice has mostly been a combination of, one, soak this whole weekend in,” the athlete tells PEOPLE exclusively. “You know, it only happens once — it's your moment — so really take it all in, try to take notes, try to learn, try to just enjoy the moment. And then going forward, be confident, stay true to yourself, do what got you drafted, and also enjoy that moment as well.”

The pairwent public with their relationshipin July 2025, the same year the Huskies won the NCAA National Championship.

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Fudd and Bueckers have been a star couple from the start. They first met while trying out for the USA Women’s Under-16 National Team in 2017, then both made the team and went on to win gold.

It was also Bueckers who encouraged Fudd to commit to UConn.

"Paige is the kind of teammate that everyone wants to play with because she’s so selfless," Fudd toldGlamourin August 2025. "The way she plays, she gets everyone involved. She’s also just a great player, so she attracts so much attention that it makes it easier for everyone else to get good looks and opportunities on the court."

During that same interview, Fudd opened up to the outlet about what it would be like if she ever ended up on the same WNBA team as Bueckers, or if they became rivals.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I definitely would love to play with her again; at the same time, I’d love to play against her,” she added. “I think it's kind of a win-win. There’s no bad option.”

Like Fudd, Bueckers was alsoselected as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draftby the Dallas Wings.

Read the original article onPeople

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April 14, 2026

No. 1 WNBA Draft Pick Azzi Fudd Headed to Dallas Wings, Same Team as Girlfriend Paige Bueckers

Azzi Fudd has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft NEED TO KNOW She'll join her girlfrien...

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