News
Latvian defence minister resigns after drone crash
Andris Spruds said he is stepping down to prevent political disputes from undermining confidence in Latvia’s armed forces.
Putin says the war in Ukraine is “coming to an end”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believed the war in Ukraine was “coming to an end”, signalling what appeared to be one of the Kremlin’s clearest indications yet that Moscow may be seeking a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine war.
Qatar resumes LNG shipments through Strait of Hormuz after 70-day wartime halt
Qatar has sent its first liquefied natural gas cargo through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, marking a tentative resumption of energy exports through the strait.
EU slams Slovakia’s Fico for Moscow Victory Day trip
European officials slammed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his decision to travel to Moscow and attend the Russia’s Victory Day commemorations on May 9, the only European leader to attend.
EU ambassador warns Bosnia risks losing funds without reforms
Bosnia formally opened the path towards EU accession talks in 2024, but progress has stalled amid disputes between the country’s rival political leaders.
Russia Victory parade: few guests, no armour and all over after only 45 minutes due to Ukraine drone strike threats
It was all over in record short time. Russia’s annual Victory Day on Red Square ended after only 45 minutes with no displays of any of the Armed Forces of Russia (AFR) military hardware and under extremely tight security.
North Korea changes constitution to trigger nuclear strike if decapitation of government attempted
North Korea has amended its constitution to codify an automatic nuclear response if its enemies attempt to decapitate the government and kill Kim Jong Un with a missile strike or snatch operation, according to South Korean intelligence.
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Lula courts Trump with rare earths offer as Brazil seeks tariff reprieve
Rare earths, tariffs and Bolsonaro's shadow: what Lula's White House meeting with Trump really means for Brazil.
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Russian retailer O’Key ups profit in 2025 after divesting hypermarkets
Russian retailer O’Key reported IFRS revenue of RUB80bn ($0.9bn) in 2025.
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Argentina's Milei sees disapproval rise to 63% on inflation and Adorni scandal
Argentine President Javier Milei faces 63% disapproval in May polls, the worst of his term, as Atlas Intel and Zuban Córdoba surveys point to inflation, the Adorni scandal and a 40% disillusionment rate among 2023 voters.
US strikes Iran after destroyers come under fire in Hormuz, Project Freedom collapses
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came under its most severe test yet on May 8 as Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and fast-attack boats against three US Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Rumen Radev sworn in as Bulgarian PM after April election win
Radev pledges to tackle rising prices, reform the judiciary and stabilise public finances after decisive election victory.
Africa-focused Atlantic Lithium agrees $210mn takeover by China’s Huayou Cobalt
Huayou Cobalt, a major Chinese battery materials producer, has been actively securing lithium, cobalt and nickel assets globally amid a domestic drive to strengthen supply chains for the electric vehicle sector.
Hungary's Viktor Orban tells insiders Fidesz brand tainted, hints at possible retirement
Hungary's outgoing prime minister Viktor Orban reportedly told insiders behind closed doors that the Fidesz brand may be too damaged to win future elections under its current name after the crushing election loss last month.
Seven out of ten Romanians back unification with Moldova
Reunification issue has returned to public debate in recent months amid regional tensions and Moldova’s efforts to advance towards the European Union.
Tashkent-Khiva high-speed rail opens with Hyundai Rotem train never before seen outside Korea
Reaching a top speed of 250 km/h, service cuts travel time in half to around 7.5 hours.
Vucic unveils reform plan, to decide on early elections within 10 days
Announcement signals the informal start of election campaigning, as speculation grows about when the president will call a vote.
Russia’s oil revenues rebound on Middle East conflict price hike, but gains are modest
Russia’s oil and gas revenues rebounded sharply in April as surging crude prices linked to conflict in the Middle East boosted export earnings, offering the Kremlin temporary relief after months of mounting fiscal pressure.
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Emirates posts record profit for 2025-26, defying Iran war disruptions
UAE's Emirates Group posted a record profit before tax of AED24.4bn ($6.65bn) in 2025-26, up 7%, despite Iran war disruption in the final month of the financial year.
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Saudi Arabia denied US access to bases, forcing Trump to halt Strait of Hormuz operation
Saudi Arabia denied the US military access to Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace, forcing President Donald Trump to halt his "Project Freedom" Strait of Hormuz operation within 36 hours of its launch