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.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
The House Budget Committee passed a key tax and immigration bill late Sunday, overcoming opposition from fiscal conservatives. The bill, central to President Trump’s agenda, now moves to the full House, where GOP leaders face challenges balancing demands from both hard-liners and moderates.
As thousands of residents return to war-scarred neighborhoods in Khartoum, they are encountering a deadly new threat — unexploded munitions littering homes, schools, and streets — a grim legacy of Sudan’s ongoing civil war that de-mining teams say they are woefully under-resourced to address.
Azerbaijani mountaineer Vafa Musayeva has achieved remarkable success by summiting two of the world’s highest peaks, Mount Everest and Lhotse, during the same climbing season.
The Tazhen border checkpoint on the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan border will remain closed for an additional four months, until September 1, 2025, according to Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee (KDG) of the Ministry of Finance.
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Iran will continue to enrich uranium regardless of whether a new nuclear agreement is reached with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday in a statement on social media platform X.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
Kazakhstan is taking concrete steps toward the development of its first nuclear power plant, with the country now in the pre-project phase, according to Rinat Okasov, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KAEŞ).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
The World Bank stands as one of the most influential international financial institutions, shaping economic development across continents through financial support, technical assistance, and policy guidance.
Beginning June 30, 2025, Russia will implement a new digital pre-registration system for foreign nationals entering the country under a visa-free regime, according to updated government regulations.
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Iran will continue to enrich uranium regardless of whether a new nuclear agreement is reached with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday in a statement on social media platform X.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
Kazakhstan is taking concrete steps toward the development of its first nuclear power plant, with the country now in the pre-project phase, according to Rinat Okasov, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KAEŞ).
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