US, Ukraine sign watered down minerals deal

The governments of Ukraine and the US have signed off on a watered down and much fairer minerals deal, giving US President Donald Trump a PR boost and ensuring Kyiv will continue to have some access to US support on April 30.

ECLAC cuts Latin America growth forecast amid global uncertainties

The UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to 2%, adding to a chorus of international institutions painting a bleak outlook for the region.

Putin and Lukashenko speak on Union State ties and united historical memory at Volgograd forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political and economic integration between their two countries.

Israel faces major wildfires in Jerusalem hills as authorities evacuate villages

Multiple wildfires are spreading rapidly through the Jerusalem hills area, forcing evacuations, closing major highways, and prompting Israel to request international firefighting assistance.

Russia proposes joint aviation venture with Belarus as part of expanded industrial cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to establish a joint aviation enterprise with Belarusian specialists as part of deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Trinidad opposition sweeps to power in decisive election victory

Trinidad and Tobago's parliamentary elections on April 28 delivered a victory for Kamla Persad-Bissessar's centre-left United National Congress (UNC) party, which secured 26 of 41 seats in the House of Representatives.

Hungarian policymakers keep rates on hold at 6.5%

The Monetary Council of the National Bank left the base rate unchanged at 6.5% with the overnight deposit and lending rates maintained at 5.50% and 7.50% respectively at a monthly policy meeting on April 29, in line with expectations.

Moldova approves €8bn development plan for 2026-2028, but faces major funding gap

Cost of updated plan is equivalent to nearly half of Moldova’s 2024 GDP.

Hungary faces potential EU legal action for quitting ICC

Hungary may face infringement proceedings from the European Commission after announcing to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that could breach EU law despite the ICC not being an EU institution.

Pakistan airspace closure impacts around 600 Indian flights

Pakistan's airspace closure, in force since April 24, has significantly disrupted international flight operations for Indian carriers, primarily Air India and IndiGo.

South Korea’s PPP narrows presidential field to two finalists

Former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon remain in contention for the party’s nomination in the June 3 election. This vote will determine the successor to President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Indonesia’s coal politics: maintaining a strategic market price despite Chinese resistance

Indonesia's recent efforts to impose a government-mandated coal benchmark price or Harga Batubara Acuan on exports face resistance from its largest buyer, China

Croatia to prioritise economic cooperation as chair of Three Seas Initiative

Zagreb will focus on boosting economic, energy and infrastructure cooperation as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, announced Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Poland imposes sanctions on MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain

Poland has imposed sanctions on the MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain, which recently returned to operate in two locatiosn in Poland.

El Salvador plays defiant game with IMF Bitcoin rules

El Salvador is still sticking to its Bitcoin freeze, the IMF said during the Spring Meetings 2025. But the country’s actual actions appear to contradict the global lender’s claim.

ِِAt least nine people killed in sectarian clashes in Syria

At least nine people, including five armed Druze men, were killed in sectarian-motivated clashes that erupted overnight on April 28 in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus, Syria.

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air plans first flights for late 2025, taking on Gulf rivals

Cross-border oil smuggling reveals dark underbelly of US-Mexico trade nexus

A Utah couple stands accused of running one of the largest US-Mexico fuel smuggling schemes, allegedly moving 2,900 crude oil shipments worth $300mn—highlighting the deepening ties between white-collar and organised crime.

“We stand with Ekrem Imamoglu,” Florence mayor writes on city hall wall

Chief political opponent to Turkey's leader Erdogan remains imprisoned facing what he says are politically-motivated fake charges.

BRICS seeks new global alignment at Rio ministerial summit

The expanded BRICS alliance has emerged as a potent diplomatic force at its foreign ministers’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on April 28 ahead of the July meeting.