Bomb meant for ‘Butcher of Bucha’ kills subordinate in remote Russian town, sources say A Russian commander who led troops during the Bucha massacre in 2022 was said to be the blast’s intended target The Guardian - UK · Apr 30
Belgium seeks to take control of nuclear reactors in move to secure energy supplies Brussels believes the solution to soaring energy prices as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the war in the Middle East is to permanently transition away from fossil fuels. Euronews · Apr 30
From national pride to fascism: how countries have used the World Cup to build identity Every World Cup, from Uruguay and Italy in 1930 and 1934, to Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022, has been to an extent about presenting an image to the world The Guardian - US · Apr 30
Trump's vanity for Ukraine's security? Flattery has become a foreign policy strategy — and it's reshaping U.S. alliances Salon · Apr 30
Kyiv shuns Moscow's 'Victory Day truce' asking for long-term ceasefire After the Easter truce, Moscow is now proposing a Victory Day parade ceasefire as the Kremlin is concerned over Ukraine’s long-range striking capabilities. Moscow has already scaled down the parade, where for the first time in years, Russian armoured columns will not be rolling on the Red Square. Euronews · Apr 30
Mali junta leader Goita to attend funeral of defence minister killed in rebel attacks Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita is expected to attend the funeral on Thursday of Mali's defence minister Sadio Camara, who was killed in an assault on his home during attacks that have destabilised the army's grip on power. Radio France Internationale · Apr 30
Israel halts Russian grain ship amid stolen Ukrainian wheat row After days of diplomatic row between Ukraine and Israel, Israeli grain importer Zenziper said it is postponing the unloading of the grain on board the ship said to be carrying stolen Ukrainian grain on behalf of Russia. Euronews · Apr 30
EU failed to 'listen' in Sahel, envoy admits as influence wanes EU envoy admits Brussels misread Sahel dynamics, warning that military-first strategies and one-way diplomacy have eroded influence as Russia and China deepen their foothold in the region. Euronews · Apr 30
From statements to actions: Here's which European countries are spending the most on defence Military spending by European NATO members last year rose faster than at any time since 1953. Euronews · Apr 30
British Navy and UK Form Alliance with 9 Other European Countries as Maritime Tensions with Russia Rise The British Navy and UK form a new alliance with nine other European nations to counter Russian aggression. International Business Times UK · Apr 30
Smoke rises over Russia’s Tuapse after Ukrainian drone strikes hit oil refinery Plumes of black smoke rise over the southern Russian town of Tuapse after multiple Ukrainian drone strikes on a major oil refinery in the coastal area. Euronews · Apr 30
The AP Interview: Ukraine bets on battlefield AI as the race for weapons autonomy intensifies Ukraine is accelerating the use of artificial intelligence to retain an edge on the battlefield, as the war with Russia enters a new technological phase The Independent UK · Apr 30
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fire erupts at major Black Sea port oil refinery after fourth Ukrainian attack in two weeks Trump says he and Putin have discussed a temporary ceasefire marking Victory Day next month, though Ukraine wants to see the details The Independent UK · Apr 30
'They are on a similar time-table': Did Trump just mix-up Ukraine with Iran? Watch Former US President Donald Trump linked the Ukraine conflict with US operations against Iran. He suggested both situations might follow a similar timeline. Trump also stated Ukraine was militarily defeated. He discussed a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine and assistance with Iran. Putin reportedly… The Times of India · Apr 30
The Times of India · Apr 30 Iran's uranium, Russia's offer, US response: What did Putin and Trump discuss? Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help manage Iran's enriched uranium stockpile during a call with US President Donald Trump. Trump, however, prioritized Putin's involvement in ending the Ukraine war, stating his main concern is the conflict in Ukraine. The US president also indicated a blockade in the Strait of…
The Independent UK · Apr 30 Head of organization overseeing nuclear test ban treaty issues warning to US and Russia The head of the organization overseeing a treaty banning nuclear testing is warning that if the United States, Russia or any other nation goes ahead with a test, other nations will follow
The Guardian - AU · Apr 30 Ukraine war briefing: Enough of our homegrown weapons to go around, says Zelenskyy Surplus 50% means co-operation ‘already under way’ with other countries and standing offer to US; SBU hits oil station 1,500km inside Russia. What we know on day 1,527
The Guardian - UK · Apr 29 Trump and Putin discuss Iran war and float temporary Ukraine ceasefire in call Russian president welcomed decision to extend Iran ceasefire in what US president said was a ‘very good conversation’
Barchart · Apr 29 Crude Prices Surge With No End in Sight to US-Iran War June WTI crude oil (CLM26 ) on Wednesday closed up +6.95 (+6.95%), and June RBOB gasoline (RBM26 ) closed up +0.1650 (+4.81%). Crude oil and gasoline prices extended this week's sharp rally on Wednesday, with crude oil posting a 3-week high and gasoline posting a 3.75-year high. Crude prices continue...
The Times of India · Apr 29 Putin, Trump hold 90-minute call on Iran, Ukraine war: Russia proposes Kyiv ceasefire for Victory Day Presidents Putin and Trump held a 1.5-hour call discussing the Middle East war and Ukraine. Putin backed Trump's Iran ceasefire extension, viewing it as a stabilizing move. He also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, aiming to advance peace negotiations.
The Guardian - UK · Apr 29 Ukraine asks Israel to seize vessel it claims is carrying grain stolen by Russia Accusation vessel contains grain looted from Russian-occupied territories triggers diplomatic spat between both nations
Euronews · Apr 29 Sweden confiscates false-flagged Russian 'shadow fleet' ship, prosecutors say Russia has reportedly built up a flotilla of old oil tankers of opaque ownership to get around sanctions imposed by the European Union.
The Independent UK · Apr 29 Ukraine war briefing: Drone strike sparks ‘massive’ fire at Russian oil refinery IN FULL
Barchart · Apr 29 Crude Prices Soar on Prospects for Prolonged Closure of Hormuz June WTI crude oil (CLM26 ) today is up +5.18 (+5.18%), and June RBOB gasoline (RBM26 ) is up +0.1502 (+4.38%). Crude oil and gasoline prices extended this week's sharp rally today, with crude oil posting a 2-week high and gasoline posting a 3.75-year high. Crude prices continue to climb...
The Independent UK · Apr 29 UK expels Russian diplomat in escalating row over Moscow’s ‘malicious public smear campaign’ The UK is expelling a Russian diplomat and summoning Ambassador Andrey Kelin in a reciprocal move. It follows Russia's "unjustified" expulsion of a British diplomat in March and a subsequent "malicious public smear campaign". The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said that such behaviour, including harassment and intimidation of…