First, links to reports from the Associated Prsss, Reuters, Tass, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

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Pope at Easter: Pray for Ukrainian, Russian people, refugees, by Frances D’Emilio | AP  VATICAN CITY (AP) — In an Easter message highlighting hope, Pope Francis today invoked prayers for both the Ukrainian and Russian people, praised nations which welcome refugees, and called on Israelis and Palestinians wracked by the latest surge in deadly violence to forge a “climate of trust.” Francis, along with . . . READ MORE . . .

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Two killed in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, by Sergiy Chalyi | Reuters ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — A 50-year-old man and his 11-year-old daughter were killed after Russian forces struck a residential building in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia early on Sunday, authorities said. Ukraine’s State Emergency service also reported that a 46-year-old woman . . . READ MORE . . .

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Chechnya leader says Ukrainian offensive disrupted near Zaporozhye. From Tass. GROZNY — A Chechen battalion disrupted an offensive by Ukrainian forces in the Zaporozhye direction, Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram channel. According to him, the battalion destroyed two tanks and an infantry fighting vehicle. Kadyrov praised . . . READ MORE . . .

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The EU is trying to sanction diamonds from Russia. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR  A large part of the world’s supply of diamonds comes from Russia. The U.S. and Europe may try to cut off the revenue the country is raising from the gems given the war in Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and read.