UAE exits OPEC in major oil market shift

The United Arab Emirates, one of the world's largest oil producers, is exiting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ cartel. The expanded alliance includes over 20 nations, notably Russia.

Global energy prices to jump 24 percent

The World Bank warns that global energy prices will surge by 24 percent this year. This marks the highest peak since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The baseline forecast depends on Middle East supply disruptions easing by May.

Russians turn to occult amid war

The demand for fortune tellers, tarot readers, and astrologers is surging in Russia. Experts say citizens are turning to mystical rituals to find comfort amid the ongoing war and widespread instability.

EP waives Șoșoacă's immunity

The European Parliament has voted to waive the parliamentary immunity of Romanian MEP Diana Iovanovici Șoșoacă. The plenary vote on Tuesday, April 28, clears the path for Romanian prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against her.

Iran pivots to Russia as US talks stall

Negotiations to secure a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have reached a deadlock, sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Following the collapse of a scheduled meeting with US negotiators in Pakistan, Iran's foreign minister abandoned the Islamabad talks and traveled to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin.

EU warns of jet fuel shortage by June

The European Commission warns that the European Union could face severe aviation fuel shortages after June. This risk is heavily tied to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Merz links Ukraine land loss to EU entry

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Monday that Ukraine may need to accept territorial concessions in a future peace deal with Russia. He explicitly linked these potential losses to Kyiv's prospects for European Union membership.

Baku backs Ukraine, eyes arms deal

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has affirmed Baku's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and proposed joint weapons production to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to The Moscow Times.

Trump's inner circle eyes Rubio for 2028

Donald Trump’s inner circle is increasingly considering Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential presidential candidate for 2028. This shifts him from an unlikely contender to a serious prospect, according to Politico, as cited by Astra.

Romania detonates crashed Russian drone

Romanian authorities safely detonated a crashed Russian drone on Saturday afternoon. The controlled explosion occurred near Lake Brateș in the southeastern city of Galați, following the temporary evacuation of 535 residents.

Harry honors Bucha dead, urges US action

Prince Harry visited the Ukrainian city of Bucha in the Kyiv region, paying tribute to the civilian victims of Russian massacres during the city's occupation. The Duke of Sussex visited the memorial near St. Andrew the First-Called Church, the site where mass graves were discovered in 2022, and spoke with the local parish priest.

Romania evacuates 217 after Russian drone crash

Romanian authorities evacuated 217 people from the outskirts of Galați on Saturday morning. The mass evacuation followed the crash of a Russian drone carrying a suspected explosive payload.