Russia hits Ukraine’s power grid with a ‘massive’ attack

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s president says Russia has launched a massive nighttime attack on energy facilities across Ukraine, targeting seven regions with more than 50 missiles and drones. Officials say the bombardment blasted targets in areas including Kyiv and parts of the south and west, damaging homes and the country’s rail network. Three people, including an 8-year-old girl, were injured. The attack occurred on the day Ukraine celebrates the defeat of Nazism in World War II. Russia has repeatedly pounded Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the war that is stretching into its third year and has claimed thousands of lives.

China and EU-candidate Serbia sign an agreement to build a ‘shared future’

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — China and European Union candidate Serbia have signed an agreement to build a “shared future” between the two states, making the Balkan country the first in Europe to agree on such a document with Beijing. After meeting in Belgrade on Wednesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced they would “deepen and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia,” and “build a new era of a community with a shared future between China and Serbia.” It was not immediately clear what a “shared future” meant, but it is unlikely to be met with approval from the EU.

AstraZeneca pulls its COVID vaccine from European market

LONDON (AP) — The pharma giant AstraZeneca has requested that the European authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine be pulled. In an update on the European Medicines Agency’s website Wednesday, the regulator said that the approval for AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria had been withdrawn at the company’s request. AstraZeneca’s vaccine was first approved by the EMA in January 2021. But within weeks, concerns grew about the vaccine’s safety, when dozens of countries suspended the vaccine’s use after rare blood clots were detected. Studies have since shown messenger RNA COVID vaccines to be more effective and AstraZeneca’s shot is rarely used globally.

Kenya’s public hospital doctors sign agreement to end national strike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s public hospital doctors union has called off a national strike that had left patients in limbo for almost two months. The union secretary general Davji Atellah on Wednesday said they had agreed to trust the government to implement an agreement signed to ensure the labor issues that caused the strike are resolved. The doctors went on strike in mid-March over poor remuneration and working conditions and to demand comprehensive medical cover for the doctors, among other things.