EU leaders ponder the ‘cruel paradox’ of a US ally threatening tariffs

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders are grappling with possible responses to a major ally the United States which appears determined to start a trade war or perhaps even seize part of their territory. The leaders met in Brussels on Monday for a defense summit. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says it would “be a cruel paradox” if the EU and the United States find themselves in conflict with a war also raging in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on EU imports since taking office and refused to rule out the use of military force to take control of Greenland. Poland currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency. Tusk says Trump’s threats amount to “a serious test” of European unity.

Another car bomb in a northern Syria city kills at least 19

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A hospital worker says at least 19 people are dead after the latest car bomb exploded on the outskirts of a northern Syrian city. Almost all were women. The civil defense says another 15 women were wounded Monday. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast on the outskirts of Manbij. The civil defense said it was the seventh car bombing there in over a month. The city in northeastern Aleppo province continues to see violence two months after the fall of President Bashar Assad in an insurgent offensive. The civil defense call them a threat to Syria’s efforts to bring about post-war security.

Ukrainian troops losing ground to Russia as Trump talks of ending war

POKROVSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — A shortage of infantry troops and supply routes under Russian drone attacks have dealt a blow to Ukrainian forces around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk. The crucial supply hub lies at the confluence of highways leading to key cities in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian commanders say they do not have enough reserves to sustain defense lines and new recruits are unprepared and sometimes abandon positions. Heavy fog in recent days prevented Ukrainians from effectively using surveillance drones, allowing Russian troops to control dominant heights and take more territory.

Rwanda-backed rebels who seized a Congo city declare a unilateral ceasefire

GOMA, Congo (AP) — The Rwanda-backed rebels who seized a major city in eastern Congo have declared a unilateral ceasefire, citing humanitarian grounds. But there is no sign of them giving up control of Goma at the heart of a region home to trillions of dollars in mineral wealth. Monday’s announcement came after the U.N. said at least 900 people died in last week’s fighting between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The rebels were then reported to be advancing on another provincial capital, Bukavu. A rebel spokesman says they have “no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas.” There is no immediate comment from Congo’s government.