A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officers allegedly found cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage, Russian media reported on Friday. The arrest follows a recent prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, which the White House described as a diplomatic step forward and a potential avenue for broader negotiations on Ukraine.
Russia’s Federal Customs Service stated that the 28-year-old American was stopped at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport last Friday upon arrival from Istanbul. Authorities have accused him of attempting to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country, according to the Interfax news agency.
The suspect, identified only as K. Byers by the Russian Telegram channel Mash, could face up to seven years in prison if found guilty. The U.S. State Department has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
This development comes shortly after Russia returned American teacher Marc Fogel in exchange for Russian cryptocurrency expert Alexander Vinnik, who had been detained in the U.S. on fraud charges.
Russia and the US have initiated talks on joint rare earth metals projects, with some companies already showing interest, according to Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev. This cooperation comes amid U.S. President Trump's efforts to end the Ukraine war and follows Putin's proposal for joint exploration.
Trump threatens to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow obstructs efforts to end the war in Ukraine, expressing frustration over Putin's comments on Zelenskiy’s leadership.
Powerful tornadoes and severe weather have struck central and southern U.S. states, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 32 people dead. With Missouri, Kansas, and Texas among the hardest-hit areas, authorities continue to assess damage as further storms are expected.
Canada will introduce $29.8 billion in retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. decision to impose 25% duties on steel and aluminium imports. The move follows similar action by the EU, escalating trade tensions with Washington.
As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.
Azerbaijan is rising as a global leader in pomegranate production and export, with Forbes highlighting its ideal climate, government support, and growing international demand. With premium-quality produce and sustainable farming, Azerbaijan is shaping the future of the global pomegranate market.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.
A volcano erupted south of Iceland’s capital on Tuesday, spewing lava and smoke. It triggered evacuations but did not disrupt air travel, marking the 11th eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) leads in a new opinion poll, but still falls short of a parliamentary majority ahead of the May 18 snap election. The AD’s support rose to 34.4%, while the Socialist Party (PS) trails at 27.8%.
Japan is investing 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in Rapidus, a chip startup, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers and enhance semiconductor production. The move comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, emphasizing Japan’s focus on securing its chip supply chain
Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi's bodyguard, has been banned from guarding the footballer on the touchline during Inter Miami matches. Major League Soccer has taken control of matchday security, limiting Cheuko's role to the locker room and mixed zones.
Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser claims success in tackling irregular immigration, highlighting a rise in deportations and a decrease in asylum claims. With coalition talks underway, the SPD and conservatives remain divided over immigration policy.
As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.
Azerbaijan is rising as a global leader in pomegranate production and export, with Forbes highlighting its ideal climate, government support, and growing international demand. With premium-quality produce and sustainable farming, Azerbaijan is shaping the future of the global pomegranate market.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.
A volcano erupted south of Iceland’s capital on Tuesday, spewing lava and smoke. It triggered evacuations but did not disrupt air travel, marking the 11th eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.
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