AnewZ Morning Brief - May 2nd, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Ukraine's air force says Russia launched 150 drones during its overnight attack

Russia launched 150 drones in an overnight assault, Ukraine’s air force said Friday, downing 64 and disrupting 62 with electronic warfare, while 24 remain unaccounted for.

Ukraine’s air force said Friday that Russia launched 150 drones in an overnight strike. Of those, 64 were shot down and 62 likely fell short due to electronic-warfare measures, while the status of the remaining 24 remains unknown. 

EU and US edge closer to €50 billion trade deal, EU trade commissioner says

EU Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said the EU could cut its $ U.S. trade deficit by buying an extra €50 billion of American goods—especially LNG and soybeans—and is in talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. He warned that any comprehensive deal would require President Trump to lift his 10 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminum, which remain despite a brief pause in April. With both sides still smarting from tit-for-tat duties, he acknowledged that securing an agreement acceptable to EU member states and the European Parliament will be tough, even as Brussels insists on giving negotiations a fair shot.

Baku hosts inauguration of 2025 RG European Cup

The European Cup Series in Rhythmic Gymnastics officially opened today at Baku’s National Gymnastics Arena. The ceremony began with each nation’s delegation and flag being introduced, after which Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, spoke about the country’s proud history of hosting premier gymnastics events and its achievements in the discipline. The Republic of Azerbaijan’s National Anthem followed, succeeded by an artistic performance. In the individual competitions, Azerbaijan will be represented by Govhar Ibrahimova and Zohra Jafarova. Over the next four days, 175 gymnasts from 25 countries will compete for European Cup medals.

Saturday talks between Iran and the U.S. have been postponed

"We, along with our Omani and American counterparts, have decided to postpone the fourth round of negotiations due to logistical and technical reasons," Araqchi wrote on his X account on Thursday.

He emphasized that Iran’s commitment to reaching a negotiated solution remains unchanged.

"In fact, we are more determined than ever to achieve a fair and balanced agreement—one that ends the sanctions, builds lasting confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, and fully upholds Iran’s rights," he added.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the postponement of the talks was proposed by the Omani Foreign Minister, adding that information about a new possible date will be announced later.

Baqaei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to pursuing diplomacy in order to secure the legitimate and legal interests of the Iranian nation and to bring an end to sanctions and economic pressures, which he said affect the human rights and welfare of every Iranian.

Senior Ukrainian official: Parliament to ratify minerals deals with US in few weeks

Ukraine's parliament will ratify within the next few weeks a deal with the United States on developing minerals, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Thursday.

"We want to ratify it as soon as possible. So we plan to do it within the coming weeks," Svyrydenko told an online briefing.

Svyrydenko, who signed the deal in Washington on Tuesday, said some technical details have to be completed before a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund could become operational.

"We really need to be more sustainable and more self-sufficient, and this is a real tool that can help us achieve this goal," she said.

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