Pakistan has reached an agreement with Iran on the transit of Qatari LNG through the Strait of Hormuz. The first vessel has already delivered fuel to meet urgent demand.
In Brussels, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss aid to Ukraine and new sanctions against the Russian Federation. The agenda also includes the situation in the Middle East and security.
The price of Brent rose to $104. 50 following U.S. shelling of Iranian tankers. The threat of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused a spike in oil prices.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to be observing a ceasefire despite continued shelling. Zelenskyy confirmed that hostilities by the aggressor have not ceased.
Since February, the US has conducted 25 reconnaissance flights near the coast of Cuba. Activity increased after Trump introduced an oil blockade of the island.
In two days, the enemy conducted over 150 assaults and deployed 10,000 drones. Zelenskyy promised a mirror response to Russian shelling.
A survey showed that 56% of Russians want foreign companies to return. The most missed items are Western cars, software, and cinema.
The President of Ukraine discussed diplomatic work with the US and Europe with the leader of Finland. Zelenskyy noted the effectiveness of sanctions pressure on Russia.
The tanker Mercury is loading gas from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. Russia is expanding its shadow fleet to export fuel to Asia, bypassing US sanctions.
Through the Caspian Sea, the Russian Federation secretly transfers drones and ammunition to Iran by turning off vessel radars. The route is also used for exporting grain and fuel.
Japan plans a visit of government officials to the Russian Federation to maintain contacts and protect the assets of its companies. Tokyo denies any new cooperation and continues G7 sanctions.
The parties are discussing a 14-point memorandum regarding the unblocking of ports and the nuclear program. Negotiations may begin next week in Islamabad.
The European Union hopes for a rapprochement with Hungary as Péter Magyar was sworn in as the country's Prime Minister, ending the 16-year rule of Viktor Orbán.
The US has introduced sanctions against 10 individuals and companies for assisting Iran in weapons production. The restrictions target programs for the development of missiles and 'Shahed'-type drones.
In Prague, supporters of the "Night Wolves" motorcycle club honored the memory of soldiers at the Olšany Cemetery. They were met by activists with flags of Ukraine and the EU.
President Zelenskyy confirmed a truce on May 9-11 and a prisoner exchange in a 1,000-for-1,000 format. The agreement was reached through the mediation of the United States.
Satellites have detected an oil spill covering 45 square kilometers near Kharg Island. This is the largest slick recorded in the last 70 days of conflict in the region.
The SBU is investigating 130,000 cases regarding Russian aggression and strikes on infrastructure. More than a thousand occupiers have already been served with notices of suspicion for committing war crimes.
A Eurobarometer survey showed that 76% of EU citizens see the war as a threat to their security. The majority supports sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
EU ministers will adopt sanctions against those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children. Ukraine has already introduced restrictions against the abductors and the Russian shadow fleet.
Political analyst Oleh Lisnyi explained Moscow's change in rhetoric and the demand for the AFU to withdraw from Donbas. He emphasized the necessity of systematic strikes on Russian oil refineries.
The Netherlands propose directing 210 billion euros of Russian assets toward Ukraine's defense. The initiative was discussed at a closed-door meeting of EU finance ministers.
A court in Kyiv sentenced Medinsky and Torkunov to 10 years over a Russian history textbook for the 11th grade. The book justifies Russian aggression and calls for changing Ukraine's borders - it is also actively used in the occupied territories.
The British Navy spent a month tracking a Russian frigate and "shadow fleet" vessels. The Russian frigate was heading from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that London will be "even tougher" in pursuing the Russian "shadow fleet."
Zelenskyy confirmed the continued operation of "Ukrainian long-range sanctions" in response to Russian strikes. This refers to an oil facility in Yaroslavl, more than 700 kilometers from the border.
Iran has created the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to issue permits and collect duties from vessels. The new agency could potentially threaten the freedom of navigation in the region.
Last year, Russians were granted over 620,000 Schengen visas. The share of multiple-entry visas dropped to 12%, with France issuing the highest number of visas.
Brent crude prices fell below $100 amid progress in negotiations between the US and Iran. The deal involves the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The EU will not evacuate diplomats from Kyiv despite Russia's threats leading up to May 9. Brussels described Russia's statements as part of a reckless escalatory tactic.
Zelenskyy reported on the operation of "Ukrainian long-range sanctions," including in Perm and Yekaterinburg. The range reached nearly two thousand kilometers from the border.
