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Chinese companies have signed deals to provide equipment for construction projects in regions of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists. These areas are not recognized as independent countries by most of the world, and the local economy is increasingly linked to China through business and currency use.
Key Facts
Two Chinese firms, Zhongxin Heavy Industrial Machinery and Amma Construction Machinery, supplied stone-crushing machinery to the Donetsk region controlled by separatists.
The deal was announced by separatist officials of the self-declared "People’s Republic of Donetsk," a region recognized only by North Korea and Syria.
The crushed stone is used for construction in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, including rebuilding the Mariupol port area.
At least 17 Chinese companies operate in these occupied regions, involved in mining, construction, telecommunications, and financial services.
Around 6,000 Chinese-made cellphone relay stations have been installed in the occupied territories.
The separatist-controlled regions have limited functioning industries; only 5 out of 94 coal mines remain open.
Local businesses use Chinese electronic payment systems, and the Chinese currency yuan is widely used and traded in the occupied areas.
Russia officially annexed these regions in 2022, but they are not fully controlled by Russian forces and maintain nominal local administrations.
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Iran is reviewing a new peace proposal from the United States to end the ongoing war that has lasted nearly three months and affected global fuel prices. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir is visiting Tehran to help mediate peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. President Donald Trump says he is willing to wait a few days for Iran’s reply and believes the negotiations are moving forward.
Key Facts
Iran’s government is examining the latest U.S. peace proposal related to the war.
Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran to assist in peace negotiations.
The war involving the U.S. and Iran has lasted almost three months and increased global fuel costs.
President Donald Trump is waiting for Iran’s response and is impressed by Iranian negotiators.
Iran’s initial peace framework includes ending all fronts of the war, releasing frozen Iranian funds, and stopping attacks on Iranian ships.
Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing with Pakistani mediation.
The conflict also involves Israel, which has recently deported activists involved in a flotilla trying to reach Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deportation of these activists following controversial treatment by a security minister.
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Newly released British government documents reveal that Queen Elizabeth II supported Prince Andrew’s appointment as a trade envoy in 2000. The papers show the government moved forward with his role without a formal background check, amid ongoing investigations into his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
In February 2000, officials proposed Prince Andrew as a trade envoy following the Duke of Kent’s withdrawal.
The late Queen Elizabeth II wanted Prince Andrew to take on this role.
His duties included making two or three trade visits overseas each year and hosting important trade visitors in the UK.
No formal vetting or background check was done before his appointment.
The government had considered expanding Prince Andrew’s trade role before the formal proposal.
Current investigations look into Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein and whether he leaked government documents.
Prince Andrew was arrested in February for suspected misconduct in public office but has not been charged.
The released documents focus on his original appointment and don’t provide new details about the police inquiry.
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Colombia faces a critical presidential election deciding its future on climate change. The current government supports protecting the environment and fighting fossil fuel use, while right-wing candidates favor expanding oil and mining. There is concern about influence from U.S. President Donald Trump, including talk of military involvement.
Key Facts
Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, cannot run again consecutively, so Iván Cepeda is running to continue his policies.
Petro’s government has worked to protect the Amazon rainforest by banning fossil fuel activities there and trying to reduce mining and pollution.
Right-wing candidates Abelardo De La Espriella and Paloma Valencia support restarting oil drilling and fracking in Colombia.
Environmental activists fear that a right-wing win would pause or reverse Colombia’s climate protection efforts for at least four years.
There are concerns about U.S. interference, including President Donald Trump mentioning possible military intervention in Colombia.
Colombia’s government includes strong environmental leaders like vice-president Francia Márquez, winner of an international environmental prize.
Colombia plays a key role in global climate talks and has hosted important events aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Neighboring countries like Bolivia and Ecuador are moving toward more mining and resource exploitation, contrasting Colombia’s current path.
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A two-year-old girl died from heatstroke after being accidentally left in her father’s car in north-west Spain during an unusually hot spell. The girl was found unresponsive in the car several hours later and was pronounced dead at a nearby health center. Authorities are investigating, and the local community is mourning her death.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Brión, a town in Galicia, north-west Spain.
The girl’s father unintentionally left her in the car after being distracted by a phone call.
High temperatures in the area reached up to 38°C (100°F) during this hot spell.
The girl went into cardiac arrest after several hours inside the car.
Emergency services were called after the mother learned the girl had not arrived at nursery.
The town council declared two days of official mourning and planned a minute of silence.
Spain is experiencing unusual early heat with temperatures higher than normal for May.
Increased extreme heat and fires in Spain are linked to climate change and rising global temperatures.
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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing strong criticism after a video showed him threatening detained activists from a flotilla at the port of Ashdod. The video sparked international condemnation, including criticism from Israeli leaders and media, as well as from foreign governments like Italy.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, was seen in a video taunting detained flotilla activists.
The activists were held at Ashdod port, some kneeling with hands tied behind their backs.
The video led to criticism in Israeli media, with some calling for Ben-Gvir to be fired.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Ben-Gvir's behavior.
International leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, condemned the video.
Italian newspapers criticized Israel and its actions related to the flotilla incident.
In the same article, the U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro over a 1996 attack killing four Americans.
The indictment increased tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with speculation about military conflict.
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China and Russia have criticized the United States for indicting Cuba's former President Raúl Castro. Both countries expressed support for Cuba and called on the U.S. to stop using sanctions and threats against the Caribbean nation.
Key Facts
The U.S. indicted Raúl Castro and other Cuban nationals for their alleged involvement in the 1996 shooting down of two civilian planes.
Raúl Castro led Cuba as president from 2008 to 2018 and remains an influential figure at age 94.
China opposes the U.S. use of sanctions and judicial actions without approval from the United Nations Security Council.
Russia condemned the U.S. actions as interference in Cuba’s internal affairs and promised continued support for Cuba.
Both China and Russia called the U.S. pressure campaign against Cuba unjustified and urged a halt to threats and sanctions.
The U.S. Justice Department announced the indictments amid ongoing tensions with Cuba.
The incident is part of broader U.S. efforts to pressure Cuba politically and economically.
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President Donald Trump sent Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special representative to Greenland amid tensions over Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. might annex Greenland for security reasons. Landry was heckled by some Greenland residents, while Greenland’s Prime Minister said the people want to keep control over their own land.
Key Facts
Governor Jeff Landry visited Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, as President Trump’s special envoy.
Trump had suggested the U.S. might take control of Greenland for national security, causing concern in Greenland and Denmark.
A video showed Greenland residents shouting “Don’t come here” at Landry.
Landry said Trump told him to make friends in Greenland.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said he had a respectful meeting with Landry.
Nielsen emphasized that Greenlanders want self-determination and that their land is not for sale.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, meaning it governs itself in many ways but is still linked to Denmark.
The situation is ongoing and still developing.
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Mick Jagger is acting as a lighthouse keeper in a new film called Three Incestuous Sisters, directed by Alice Rohrwacher. The movie, filmed on the Italian island Stromboli, is based on a story by Audrey Niffenegger and stars actors like Josh O’Connor and Dakota Johnson.
Key Facts
Mick Jagger is playing a lighthouse keeper in the film Three Incestuous Sisters.
The movie is directed by Alice Rohrwacher, known for her films Happy as Lazzaro and La Chimera.
Three Incestuous Sisters is Rohrwacher’s first English-language film.
The story is adapted from a visual novel by Audrey Niffenegger, the author of The Time Traveler’s Wife.
The plot centers on three sisters who fall in love with a lighthouse keeper’s son.
Josh O’Connor plays the son of Jagger’s character in the film.
The film is being shot on the Italian island of Stromboli.
Mick Jagger has acted in several films before and also worked as a producer on various projects.
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The United States has charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro with murder. This action increases tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as President Donald Trump seeks to push for change in Cuba’s government, which has been led by the Communist Party since 1959.
Key Facts
The U.S. government announced murder charges against Raúl Castro on May 21, 2026.
Raúl Castro is the former president of Cuba and brother of Fidel Castro, who led the 1959 revolution.
The charges mark a significant rise in pressure from the U.S. toward Cuba’s communist government.
President Donald Trump is advocating for regime change in Cuba.
Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have been strained since the Cold War era.
Cuba’s current government has been led by the Communist Party for over six decades.
This indictment could further worsen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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Ukrainian drones attacked the Syzran oil refinery deep inside Russia, causing a large fire, according to President Zelenskyy. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s increased use of long-range attacks targeting Russia’s oil industry, aiming to reduce Moscow’s war funding.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones hit the Syzran refinery in Russia, located more than 800 km inside Russian territory.
The attack caused a fire with large black smoke clouds.
Russia’s Samara region governor reported two people killed by drone attacks in Syzran but did not specify the refinery.
The refinery is owned by Rosneft, a major Russian oil and gas company.
Ukraine has improved its drone and missile technology, allowing for mid- and long-range strikes deep in Russia.
Ukraine conducts almost daily attacks on Russian oil facilities to cut Russia’s income from oil sales.
The long-range strikes have contributed to Ukrainian gains on the battlefield and increased pressure on Russian President Putin.
Russia’s air defenses claimed to have shot down 121 Ukrainian drones in a recent 12-hour period.
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The U.K. government will release secret papers about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as a trade envoy. This follows concerns that he shared government information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted criminal linked to sex crimes.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, was a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
Lawmakers demanded the release of papers after allegations of him sharing government reports with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a wealthy financier involved in sexual abuse and exploitation of young women and girls.
The U.S. Justice Department released millions of pages of documents about Epstein, revealing his network of influential friends.
The scandal has raised questions about power among the British aristocracy, politicians, and business leaders, called “the Establishment.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title by King Charles III to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
Government officials called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the royal family’s actions.
The papers are scheduled for public release on a Thursday, correcting an earlier mention of Wednesday.
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Documents show that Queen Elizabeth II strongly supported Prince Andrew’s appointment as a UK trade envoy. The papers reveal concerns about his high public profile and the need for media management, amid scandals related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Queen Elizabeth II wanted Prince Andrew to have a prominent role promoting UK trade.
The UK government released confidential documents about Andrew’s appointment.
A government memo noted his high public profile would require careful media handling.
Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal title in 2024 due to the Epstein scandal.
He served as a special trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 but stepped down over concerns about his associations.
The Epstein case has caused significant political and social debate in the UK about power and accountability.
Lawmakers have called for more responsibility from the royal family due to Andrew’s conduct.
The scandal intensified after the US Justice Department released files showing Epstein’s network of powerful friends.
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In the Congo River near Kinshasa, fishermen are catching more plastic waste than fish because of increasing pollution. Some have stopped fishing and instead collect plastic trash as a way to earn money and survive.
Key Facts
The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa.
Pollution in the river has increased, affecting fishing activities.
Fishermen near Kinshasa are finding more plastic waste than fish in their nets.
Some fishermen have quit fishing due to the pollution problem.
These fishermen now collect plastic waste to support themselves financially.
This change shows how pollution impacts local livelihoods and the environment.
The situation highlights growing environmental and economic challenges in the region.
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Thirteen fighter jets were sent to chase a flying object that could not be identified, according to new files released by a UFO research group. The files include reports from the National Security Agency describing a star-shaped object moving quickly and changing directions in the sky.
Key Facts
Thirteen fighter jets were scrambled to follow an unidentified flying object (UFO).
The Disclosure Foundation released over 300 pages of intelligence reports from the NSA about UFO sightings.
These records were obtained after a Freedom of Information Act request.
The Trump administration released more than 160 UFO-related files earlier in the same month.
One report described a star-shaped object that witnesses said could not be a normal aircraft.
The object moved quickly, went up and down, and turned repeatedly at a high altitude.
The object showed a white glowing light with a slight blue color.
Many reports were once classified as “TOP SECRET UMBRA,” meaning very sensitive intelligence information.
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The Philippine justice secretary has ordered police to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during the country’s war on drugs. The Philippine Supreme Court rejected his attempt to stop the arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him after he disappeared following a brief refuge in the Senate.
Key Facts
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs under President Duterte.
The Philippine justice secretary has ordered law enforcement to arrest dela Rosa and warned that anyone helping him avoid capture would face consequences.
The Philippine Supreme Court rejected dela Rosa’s bid to block his arrest.
Dela Rosa hid for six months, briefly took shelter in the Senate, and then left quietly in early May after a violent incident.
The ICC estimates between 12,000 and 30,000 people were killed during Duterte’s war on drugs from 2016 to 2019.
Dela Rosa denies any involvement in illegal killings during this campaign.
President Duterte is also accused of crimes against humanity and has been held by the ICC since March 2025.
The Philippine National Police said they will follow the law in dealing with the arrest but did not confirm they would detain dela Rosa immediately.
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Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of "The Late Show" on Thursday, marking the end of the show’s 30-year run. CBS decided to end the franchise for financial reasons, despite some viewers suspecting political factors due to Colbert’s outspoken views.
Key Facts
"The Late Show" ended after more than 30 years of airing.
Stephen Colbert was the host of the show from 2015 until its finale.
The show's original host, David Letterman, appeared in the final episode.
Several famous guests and late-night hosts appeared in the final shows, including Tom Hanks, Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver.
CBS announced the show’s end in July, saying it was due to financial challenges in late-night TV.
Some people suspected political reasons for the show's cancellation because Colbert often criticized President Donald Trump.
Colbert began hosting after Letterman retired following a 22-year run.
The show was known for combining humor, political commentary, and celebrity interviews.
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Cuba is preparing to defend itself against a possible military attack by the United States, following increased tensions and an indictment against former Cuban President Raul Castro by US prosecutors. The Cuban government released a guide explaining how families should protect themselves and is relying on its national defense strategy that involves training all citizens to resist invasion.
Key Facts
US prosecutors indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro for the 1996 downing of aircraft that killed four American men.
The indictment accuses Castro of conspiracy to kill US nationals, murder, and aircraft destruction.
President Donald Trump has increased hostile rhetoric against Cuba and called it a "significant threat" to US national security.
Cuba’s Civil Defence published a guide called The Family Guide for Protection Against Military Aggression to prepare citizens for a potential US attack.
Cuba’s defense plan includes training all civilians as part of a military system called the War of All People.
Despite facing blackouts, fuel shortages, and loss of Venezuelan support, Cuba claims it is ready to resist a US invasion.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned that a US attack would cause severe casualties and said Cuba does not pose a threat.
Analysts note that Cuba’s experience fighting in Venezuela involved strong resistance by Cuban troops.
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A new outbreak of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola is spreading in central Africa, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and possibly South Sudan. Experts say the US has significantly reduced its support for global health efforts, which is affecting efforts to control the virus and conduct important research.
Key Facts
The Bundibugyo variant of Ebola has no cure or vaccine and has caused two previous outbreaks.
Since April, there have been about 482 suspected cases and 116 deaths reported in the DRC, with additional cases in Uganda and possible spread to South Sudan.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern immediately.
US foreign aid to the DRC dropped sharply from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $431 million in 2025, with further reductions in 2026.
The US also cut funding to Uganda and announced it would leave the WHO, stopping a $130 million funding contribution and causing job losses.
Key US health agencies, including USAID and the CDC, reduced staff, canceled research, and suspended Ebola response teams in the past year.
A specialized Ebola research lab in Maryland was shut down last year, limiting the US capacity to respond and research the outbreak.
Experts warn that cutting prevention funding will lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has shifted away from strong climate action despite his past work on climate finance and warnings about climate risks. His government has delayed or weakened multiple climate policies and is supporting new fossil fuel projects and subsidies.
Key Facts
Mark Carney, once known for his climate warnings as Bank of England governor and UN envoy, is now Canada’s prime minister.
Carney’s government eliminated Canada’s consumer carbon price, a tool to reduce emissions by charging households for pollution.
New climate rules have been weakened or delayed, including methane limits and clean electricity targets moved from 2035 to 2050.
Plans to cap oil and gas emissions and enforce zero-emission vehicle mandates have been scrapped or weakened.
Carney supports building new fossil fuel infrastructure, including pipelines and LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities.
Environmental laws are being relaxed for projects labeled as “nation-building.”
Tax credits and subsidies have increased for carbon capture technology and oil extraction projects that use captured carbon to get more oil.
A new sovereign wealth fund will likely invest public money to help pay for fossil fuel projects, contrasting with Norway’s fund which focuses on sustainability.
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