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Claimed Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Found by Cellmate

USA

Claimed Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Found by Cellmate

A man who once shared a jail cell with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein says he discovered what appeared to be a suicide note written by the financier following an earlier suicide attempt in 2019.

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The document is now sealed in court records connected to the criminal case of Nicholas Tartaglione, a former New York police officer who was later convicted of four murders.
Tartaglione told The New York Times the note was written on paper from a yellow legal pad and hidden inside a book in their cell.
Alleged note discovered after first incident
According to Tartaglione, he found the note in July 2019 shortly after Epstein was discovered in his Manhattan jail cell following what authorities described as an apparent suicide attempt.
A Bureau of Prisons incident report stated that Epstein was found on 23 July with a homemade noose around his neck. Officers reported he was lying on the floor in a fetal position wearing a T-shirt and boxer shorts.
The report said Epstein was breathing heavily and snoring when discovered. Officials noted redness around his neck and a circular mark at its base, along with friction marks on the front of his neck.
Initially, Epstein told investigators that Tartaglione had attacked him. He later said he could not remember what had happened. Tartaglione has consistently denied harming Epstein.
Details shared publicly in podcast
Tartaglione first publicly mentioned the alleged suicide note during a podcast interview last year.
He said the note referred to a federal investigation and included a message suggesting authorities had looked into him for months without finding evidence of wrongdoing.
According to Tartaglione, the note also contained a brief farewell message and a drawn smiley face.
The document itself has not been released publicly and remains part of sealed court filings.
Court asked to unseal document
The New York Times has now asked a federal court to unseal the alleged note.
The newspaper argued that the document should be made public because Tartaglione has already discussed it openly and because a two-page timeline referencing the note appeared in recently disclosed files from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Kenneth Karas, a U.S. District Court judge, has ordered parties involved in the case to respond to the request by 4 May.
Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York told ABC News they were not aware of any suicide note written by Epstein. However, a chart included in Justice Department records references the document.
The chart states that Tartaglione discovered the note sometime between 23 July and 27 July 2019.
Epstein denied suicidal thoughts
Records from Epstein’s jail evaluation show that he denied having suicidal thoughts after the initial incident.
During a suicide risk assessment, Epstein reportedly told staff he had no plans to harm himself and intended to fight the charges against him.
A psychologist at the Metropolitan Correctional Center wrote that Epstein said he had “no interest” in killing himself and described having a “wonderful life”.
Epstein had been arrested in 2019 on federal charges accusing him of running a network that recruited and sexually exploited underage girls at properties in New York and Florida.
He died on 10 August 2019 while awaiting trial in the same jail. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging, a conclusion also accepted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tartaglione was later convicted in 2023 of four murders and sentenced in 2024 to four consecutive life terms. His appeal is currently before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

• Epstein Files

• 4 comments
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webfact

May 2May 2

Trump orders troop withdrawal from Germany

BREAKING NEWS

Trump orders troop withdrawal from Germany

The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany following an order from President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in the American military presence in Europe amid rising tensions with Berlin.

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The move, confirmed by the Pentagon on Friday, comes as relations between Washington and the German government led by Friedrich Merz have deteriorated in recent days.
Troop levels to return to pre-2022 levels
A senior Pentagon official said the redeployment would reduce the number of US service members stationed in Germany to roughly the level seen before 2022.
The withdrawal will affect a brigade combat team currently deployed in the country, as well as potentially other American forces based there.
Plans by the previous administration to deploy a long-range fires battalion to Germany later this year are also expected to be scrapped as part of the changes.
Pentagon officials said the repositioning of troops would take place gradually, with the process expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
Friction with Germany over Iran conflict
The decision follows growing frustration within the Trump administration toward Germany and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over their role during the United States’ war with Iran.
Washington has repeatedly criticised some European allies for what it views as insufficient support during the conflict.

The dispute intensified this week after Chancellor Merz publicly commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions have disrupted global energy supplies.
Merz said Iran was “humiliating” the United States as it restricted shipping through the strategic waterway, triggering volatility in international energy markets.
Pentagon cites review of European deployments
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the withdrawal in a statement, saying the move followed a review of the US military’s posture in Europe.
He said the decision reflected “theatre requirements and conditions on the ground” and was made after assessing how American forces are deployed across the region.
The Pentagon did not provide details about where the withdrawing troops might be relocated.
Expected political backlash
The planned withdrawal is likely to face resistance in Washington.
Members of both major political parties in Congress are expected to challenge the decision, reflecting longstanding bipartisan support for maintaining a strong US military presence in Europe.
Germany hosts one of the largest contingents of American forces outside the United States and has long served as a key hub for US military operations across the continent.
Any significant reduction in troop numbers could therefore carry wider implications for NATO’s posture in Europe and the alliance’s response to security threats.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

• Military

• 41 comments
• 548 views

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May 2May 2

Chief Rabbi Warns ‘Visibly Jewish’ People Not Safe in Britain

UK

Chief Rabbi Warns ‘Visibly Jewish’ People Not Safe in Britain

Britain’s chief rabbi has warned that people who appear visibly Jewish are no longer safe in the country, after two men were stabbed in a north London neighbourhood that has seen several recent antisemitic incidents.

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Ephraim Mirvis said the attack had intensified fears among Britain’s Jewish community. Speaking to the BBC, he said the incident demonstrated that those who can be identified as Jewish in public are increasingly at risk.
“I’m sad to say that today’s event proves that if you are visibly Jewish, you’re not safe, and far more needs to be done,” he said.
He added that many people had been asking themselves where the next attack might occur.
Stabbings in north London
Police said the attack happened on Wednesday morning in the London neighbourhood of Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish population. Officers are treating the stabbings as a terrorist incident.
One of the victims was attacked at a bus stop while putting on a kippah, a traditional Jewish skullcap. The second was stabbed while walking along the street.
Both men were taken to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Police arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.
Authorities later confirmed the suspect had previously been referred to the government’s Prevent programme, which is designed to identify people at risk of becoming involved in extremism.
Threat level raised
Following the attack, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised Britain’s terrorism threat level to “severe” from “substantial”. The level, the second-highest on the UK scale, means an attack is considered highly likely within the next six months.
The centre operates within MI5.
Head of counter-terrorism policing Laurence Taylor said Britain had been facing a growing terrorist threat for some time.
He said both Islamist and extreme right-wing extremism were contributing to the risk and warned that Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK were facing an elevated threat.
Series of antisemitic incidents
The stabbings follow a series of antisemitic incidents in London’s Jewish community in recent weeks.
Last month, arsonists set fire to four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in Golders Green. A synagogue in the area was also attacked two weeks earlier.
The rise in incidents has prompted warnings from senior officials. Government terrorism adviser Jonathan Hall described the situation as the most serious national security concern the country has faced since a wave of attacks in 2017, including the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that killed 35 people.
He told the BBC that many Jewish residents, particularly in London, now fear they cannot live normally because of repeated attacks.
Government response
The UK government said it was treating the recent incidents with urgency. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood described the attacks as an emergency, though she stopped short of calling the situation a national emergency.
Police are also investigating claims of responsibility made by a group said to be backed by Iran, though officials said it was not yet clear whether those claims were credible.
The government announced an additional £25 million in funding to strengthen security for Jewish communities, including synagogues, schools and community centres. The funding comes on top of £33 million already pledged earlier this year.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said the attacks had left many Jewish people afraid to openly practise their religion or reveal their identity at work, school or university.
He said policing would be increased in affected areas and pledged faster legal action in antisemitism cases. Starmer also warned that Britain must strengthen its ability to counter hostile actions from states such as Iran.
Despite the measures, anger remains within parts of London’s Jewish community. Protesters gathered during Starmer’s visit to the area, calling for stronger protection.
Some commentators have argued the government should consider measures similar to those taken in France after the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack, when thousands of soldiers were deployed to guard Jewish sites.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

• 322 comments
• 784 views

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May 2May 2

Ex-PM John Major Warns UK Over Frequent PM Changes

UK-Politics

Ex-PM John Major Warns UK Over Frequent PM Changes

Former Conservative prime minister John Major has warned that Britain should avoid repeatedly replacing its prime ministers, arguing that political leaders must focus on long-term challenges rather than short-term political battles.

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In an interview with BBC programmes Radio 5 Live and Newsnight, Sir John criticised what he described as a growing tendency in politics to prioritise media attention and personal career advancement over addressing complex national issues.
The former leader said modern politics risked becoming like a “game show”, where politicians concentrate on headlines rather than the difficult decisions needed to tackle issues such as healthcare costs, pensions and climate change.
Warning over political instability
Sir John, who led the country from 1990 to 1997, said frequent changes of leadership risk undermining effective government.
“I mean, it isn’t a good idea to keep changing prime ministers,” he said, suggesting that political systems with fixed leadership terms could provide greater stability.
Pointing to the United States model, he said the two-term limit for a president offered a sensible structure for leadership.
However, he declined to offer direct advice to the current Labour government led by Keir Starmer, saying he did not want to make the “mistake” of publicly advising a prime minister from another party.
Speculation has circulated about pressure on Starmer from senior Labour figures including Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, though Sir John said the fate of individual politicians mattered less than developing effective policies.
Long-term problems being avoided
Sir John argued that governments were failing to confront major long-term challenges facing the UK, particularly the implications of an ageing population.
He said rising healthcare costs and pension pressures were being left unresolved, with the burden likely to fall on future generations.
Leaders were also delaying decisive action on climate change, he said, warning that current policies risked leaving younger people to face worsening economic and environmental conditions.
“The first role of any government, in my view, is to leave something better for the next generation than your generation inherited,” Sir John said.
Instead, he warned, today’s young people were inheriting a more difficult world than previous generations.
He also suggested governments had become reluctant to refuse demands for higher public spending out of fear of losing votes.
Politicians, he said, should be willing to make difficult arguments to the public if the policies would improve conditions for future generations.
Concern over political careers and representation
Sir John also criticised the changing background of many modern MPs, saying political parties now relied increasingly on professional politicians rather than candidates with broader life experience.
He said Labour MPs once included more working-class representatives who had close connections with their communities. Today’s MPs, he said, tended to be younger, more highly educated and less directly connected to their constituents.
He added that the Conservative benches also lacked people from professions that had previously been common in politics, such as business leaders or members of the armed forces.
Sir John himself did not attend university and said his interest in politics began when he was 13 after meeting his local MP, Marcus Lipton, who arranged a visit for him to the House of Commons.
Call for young people to enter politics
Despite his concerns, Sir John urged young people to consider entering politics and public service.
He warned that if talented individuals focused solely on private careers and avoided public life, the quality of political leadership could decline.
The former prime minister said public service remained essential to tackling the country’s long-term problems and ensuring future generations inherited a better society.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

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May 2May 2

UN Court Weighs Release of Ailing War Criminal Mladić

EU

UN Court Weighs Release of Ailing War Criminal Mladić

Lawyers representing convicted Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladić say he is close to death and should be released from prison, according to a request filed with a United Nations court.

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The 84-year-old former general, serving a life sentence for genocide and other crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia, is currently held at a UN detention facility in The Hague. His legal team argues that his health has deteriorated significantly and that he should be transferred to a hospital or hospice.
A judge is now reviewing the request after ordering an independent medical assessment of his condition.
Lawyers cite stroke and worsening health
In a submission to the court, Mladić’s lawyers said he had already been confined to a bed or wheelchair for a prolonged period. They claim his condition worsened after he suffered a suspected stroke during a phone call with his son.
According to the filing, the episode left him largely unable to speak. Two doctors who examined him described his condition as serious and warned that the risk of imminent death was high.
The defence team asked the court to grant provisional or conditional release so he could receive care in a medical facility where Serbian is spoken.
Although the request does not explicitly state where he should be sent, officials in Serbia have indicated they are prepared to accept him if the court approves his release.
Serbia’s justice minister, Nenad Vujic, said the government would provide guarantees to the court if Mladić were allowed to leave detention.
UN judge orders medical review
The request is being considered by Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, who has asked independent medical experts to assess Mladić’s health.
The review is expected to address his current medical condition, the adequacy of treatment available in detention and whether doctors can estimate his life expectancy.
Mladić commanded Bosnian Serb forces during the 1992–95 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which followed the breakup of Yugoslavia.
His forces carried out campaigns of ethnic cleansing during the conflict. They also laid siege to Sarajevo, where more than 10,000 people were killed.
He was also convicted for the massacre of around 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995.
Previous release requests rejected
Mladić was indicted by an international tribunal in 1995 but remained in hiding for years before being arrested in rural Serbia in 2011. He went on trial in The Hague the following year and was convicted in 2017.
His life sentence was upheld on appeal in 2021.
His lawyers argue that the prison hospital cannot adequately care for him and that continued detention now amounts to “cruel and inhumane punishment”.
However, groups representing survivors and families of victims strongly oppose any release. They say similar attempts have been made repeatedly and describe the latest request as a legal strategy rather than a humanitarian measure.
Earlier efforts by the defence have been unsuccessful. A bid for release in July 2025 was rejected, and a later request for temporary leave to attend a relative’s memorial service in November 2025 was also denied.
Mladić’s son, Darko Mladić, told Serbian media that he intends to visit his father at the prison hospital next week.
Awaiting the court’s decision
The UN judge has said the medical review will help determine both Mladić’s prognosis and whether the treatment he is receiving in detention is adequate.
The court will decide on the request once the medical findings have been evaluated.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

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May 2May 2

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on EU Car Imports

EU

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on EU Car Imports

US President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25%, intensifying trade tensions between Washington and Brussels. The announcement was made in a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Friday.

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Trump said the increase would take effect next week, accusing the EU of failing to comply with a previously agreed trade arrangement, though he did not specify how the bloc had breached the deal.
“I am pleased to announce that… next week I will be increasing tariffs charged to the European Union for cars and trucks,” the president wrote.
The European Commission responded by saying the EU was continuing to implement the agreement and was seeking clarification from Washington about its claims.
Officials added that the bloc would “keep its options open” to defend European economic interests if the United States takes steps inconsistent with the agreement.
Automotive sector targeted
Trump’s decision focuses on the automotive industry, a sector that plays a major role in the economies of several EU member states.
European carmakers export large numbers of vehicles to the United States each year, making the sector particularly sensitive to trade policy changes.
In his statement, Trump urged European manufacturers to relocate production to the United States in order to avoid the tariffs.
“It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce cars and trucks in U.S.A. plants, there will be no tariff,” he wrote.
The president also said billions of dollars were being invested in American car and truck factories, describing the level of investment as unprecedented in the country’s automotive industry.
Trade deal tensions
The latest move comes less than a year after the US and EU reached a trade agreement during talks held at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
That deal set tariffs on most European goods at 15%, reducing the risk of the 30% tariffs Trump had previously threatened as part of his broader “Liberation Day” tariff policy.
In return, European leaders agreed to increase investment in the United States and take steps intended to boost American exports.
However, relations between the two sides deteriorated in the months that followed.
Disputes intensified after Trump suggested the United States should annex Greenland, a self-governing territory belonging to Denmark. The controversy led the European Parliament to temporarily suspend approval of the trade agreement earlier this year.
The parliament eventually approved the deal in March, but added a clause allowing the agreement to be suspended if Washington undermined its objectives, discriminated against EU businesses, or applied economic pressure on member states.
European reaction
The European Commission said the EU had been implementing the agreement according to normal legislative procedures while keeping US officials informed.
A commission spokesperson said the bloc remained committed to a stable and mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship but would respond if necessary.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, criticised the US announcement and questioned Washington’s reliability as a trading partner.
He said lawmakers were still working on legislation required to implement the deal fully and expected to finalise it by June.
Lange acknowledged that implementation had been paused earlier due to tensions over Greenland and legal developments in the United States, but he argued that Washington had already breached the agreement in other areas, including tariffs affecting goods containing steel and aluminium.
Legal backdrop
Trump’s earlier “Liberation Day” tariffs were imposed using emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Those measures were later ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court of the United States, prompting companies that had paid the tariffs to seek refunds.
However, the proposed tariffs on cars fall under a different legal mechanism and are not affected by that ruling.
Trade specialists say the EU is likely to examine the legal details of Trump’s announcement before deciding whether to retaliate.
Professor Simon Evenett of the IMD Business School said policymakers in Brussels would want to see the official legal measures behind the announcement before responding.
He added that critics who believe the US administration struggles to maintain trade agreements would view the latest development as further evidence of that concern.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

• Trump

• 43 comments
• 433 views

webfact

May 2May 2

Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Ends Need for War Approval

Iranian Conflict

Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Ends Need for War Approval

US President Donald Trump has told members of Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have ended under an ongoing ceasefire, arguing that he therefore does not require congressional approval to continue military actions linked to the conflict.

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In letters sent to congressional leaders, Trump said there had been no direct exchanges of fire between US forces and Iran since 7 April 2026.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have terminated,” he wrote.
The communication was delivered on the 60th day after the administration formally notified lawmakers about US military strikes against Iran — a deadline set under US law for securing congressional authorisation or ending the use of American forces.
Debate over the War Powers deadline
Under the War Powers Resolution, a president must halt the use of US armed forces within 60 days of notifying Congress of combat operations unless lawmakers approve the action or grant an extension of up to 30 additional days to allow for the withdrawal of troops.
Trump argued that his authority as president allowed him to direct US military activity without further authorisation.
“I have and will continue to direct United States Armed Forces consistent with my responsibilities and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive,” he wrote.
The law was enacted in 1973 following the Vietnam War, as Congress sought to limit the power of then-president Richard Nixon to continue the conflict without legislative approval.
Ceasefire and legal disagreement
At a congressional hearing on Thursday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the ceasefire effectively paused the 60-day deadline set by the War Powers Resolution.
“We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,” Hegseth said.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged that interpretation, saying he did not believe the statute supported such a pause.
Lawmakers have faced increasing pressure to decide whether Congress should hold votes in both chambers to formally authorise the conflict with Iran.
Previous efforts led by Democrats to limit Trump’s military authority in relation to Iran have failed in both houses of Congress, largely due to opposition from Republicans.
However, some Republican lawmakers have indicated they could reconsider their stance after the 60-day deadline.
Negotiations remain uncertain
Although active fighting has halted, the United States and Iran have not yet reached a broader agreement through negotiations.
Iranian media reported on Friday that Tehran had submitted a proposal for talks with Washington through intermediaries in Pakistan.
The Iranian state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency said the proposal had been delivered to Pakistani mediators, though it did not disclose details of the offer. It remains unclear whether the proposal has reached US officials.
Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said his administration had recently held discussions with Iran but expressed frustration with the pace of diplomacy.
“We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens,” he said. “But I would say that I am not happy.”
Trump added that negotiations had been complicated by confusion within Iran’s leadership following the deaths of several senior military figures during the conflict.
He said military planners from United States Central Command had presented him with a range of possible approaches on Thursday — from launching further strikes to pursuing a negotiated settlement.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026

• 2 comments
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May 2May 2

Democrat Accuses Hegseth of Misleading Trump on Iran War

Iranian Conflict

Democrat Accuses Hegseth of Misleading Trump on Iran War

A senior Democratic senator has accused US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth of exaggerating the success of the war in Iran and failing to provide Donald Trump with an accurate assessment of the conflict, during a tense Senate hearing on the Pentagon’s latest budget proposal.

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The criticism came from Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, as Hegseth appeared alongside Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to defend a proposed US military budget of $1.45tn.
Lawmaker challenges claims of victory
Opening the hearing, Reed said the defence secretary had painted an overly optimistic picture of the conflict, which has entered its eighth week and remains unresolved.
He told the committee that US families were already bearing the economic consequences of the war, particularly through rising fuel prices, despite limited public support for the military campaign.
“American families are bearing the cost of a war they wanted nothing to do with and have gained nothing from,” Reed said, adding that Hegseth had declared victory prematurely.
The senator also argued that the Iranian government remained firmly in power and retained enriched uranium stockpiles, meaning its nuclear programme was still intact. He warned that portraying the situation as a decisive triumph risked misleading the president and the public.
“Our military has performed heroically,” Reed said. “But military force without a sound strategy is a path to long-term defeat.”
Heated exchanges at budget hearing
The hearing marked the second day of congressional testimony from Hegseth and Caine regarding the Pentagon’s record defence spending request.
Proceedings were briefly interrupted when protesters shouted accusations of “war criminal” and “despicable” as Hegseth began his opening remarks. They were removed from the chamber before the hearing continued.
Reed also criticised what he described as the administration’s lack of a clear strategy and said the decision to launch military action had been taken without adequate consultation with Congress or the public.
He further condemned comments made by Hegseth about relaxing rules of engagement and showing “no mercy” toward Iranian forces, warning that such rhetoric could be counterproductive and potentially violate international law.
The senator additionally questioned the defence secretary’s management of the military, citing moves such as restructuring the Pentagon’s chaplain corps, cancelling flu vaccine requirements for service members and restricting attendance at certain universities.
Reed also criticised Hegseth for dismissing several senior commanders and blocking some promotions, arguing the decisions could undermine morale within the armed forces.
Democrats question public support
Hegseth rejected the accusations and defended the administration’s conduct of the war.
He repeated claims he had made during a House hearing a day earlier, saying critics in Congress were undermining a historic effort to confront Iran, which he described as a decades-long threat.
“The biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,” Hegseth said.
The defence secretary later clashed with other Democratic senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand and Richard Blumenthal, who challenged his assertion that the war had widespread support among Americans.
Gillibrand said the conflict lacked authorisation and argued that public backing for the campaign was weak.
Hegseth initially maintained that Americans supported the operation but later acknowledged that public opinion was more divided than he had suggested, attributing scepticism partly to criticism from Democrats and media coverage.
Blumenthal said that success in war historically depended on sustained domestic support.
“If what you’re seeing as success now is winning,” he said, “I would hate to see what losing looks like.”
The senator later attempted to ask Hegseth whether he agreed with comments by Trump suggesting Ukraine had been militarily defeated by Russia, but the defence secretary declined to answer directly.
Ongoing conflict and political fallout
The confrontation highlighted deep political divisions in Washington over the war with Iran. After two months of fighting, the conflict has reached a stalemate, while tensions in global energy markets have risen following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
As the administration seeks approval for its record defence budget, lawmakers remain sharply divided over both the strategy and the costs of the campaign.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

• USA

• 31 comments
• 388 views

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April 30Apr 30

Singapore Charges French Teen After Straw-Licking Video

Report

Singapore Charges French Teen After Straw-Licking Video

An 18-year-old French student has been charged in Singapore after posting a video online that appeared to show him licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and placing it back into the dispenser.

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Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien was charged on April 24 with mischief and public nuisance following the incident at a shopping mall on March 12, according to a report by The Straits Times. He has not yet entered a plea.
The video circulated widely on social media after it surfaced online, drawing attention to the incident and prompting action from authorities.
Charges and possible penalties
Singaporean prosecutors have charged the teenager with two offences under local law.
The mischief charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. The public nuisance charge is less severe and can result in up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Maximilien is currently studying at a French business school in Singapore. Lawyers representing him declined to comment when contacted about the case.
Court grants travel request
Despite the pending charges, a court granted the teenager permission to travel to the Philippines for a school trip required for his graduation.
He is scheduled to visit Manila from May 2 to May 25 before returning to Singapore. The court has ordered him to appear again on May 29 for further proceedings.
Vending machine operator responds
The juice vending machine involved in the incident is operated by IJooz.
The company said it filed a police report after the video emerged. As a precaution, it disinfected the machine and replaced all 500 straws stored inside the dispenser.
IJooz also announced plans to modify its machines to reduce the risk of similar incidents. The upgrades will include individually packaged straws and compartments that release straws only after a customer completes a purchase.
Strict public behaviour rules
Singapore is known for strict laws governing public behaviour and hygiene in the densely populated city-state.
Authorities enforce a range of regulations aimed at maintaining public cleanliness and order. These include restrictions on chewing gum sales and heavy penalties for offences such as littering and vandalism.
The case has drawn attention online, highlighting both Singapore’s strict enforcement of public conduct rules and the potential legal consequences of behaviour recorded and shared on social media.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Terrorism Threat Level Raised to Severe After London Stabbing

UK

Terrorism Threat Level Raised to Severe After London Stabbing

The United Kingdom has raised its national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following a stabbing in north London that police are treating as a terrorist incident.

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Officials said the change reflects both the attack in Golders Green and a wider increase in extremist threats, including Islamist and far-right activity.
Under the UK’s threat system, a “severe” rating means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
Stabbing in Golders Green Investigated as Terrorism
Two Jewish men were stabbed on Wednesday in Golders Green in north London. The incident is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police as a suspected terrorist attack.
Police arrested a 45-year-old man, Essa Suleiman, on suspicion of attempting to murder Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. He remains in custody.
The Metropolitan Police said the suspect had previously been referred to the government’s Prevent programme in 2020, which forms part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, but the case was closed later that year.
Officers are also investigating whether he may have been linked to a separate incident in south-east London on Tuesday.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who heads counter-terrorism policing, said authorities had been seeing a gradual rise in threats across several ideological movements.
He said investigators were handling a growing number of cases and noted an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK.
Government Response and Community Concerns
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the increase in the threat level would cause concern for many people, particularly within the Jewish community.
She said the government would continue efforts to combat antisemitism and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said people should stay alert but not alarmed, adding that police and intelligence services were working continuously to keep the public safe.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said additional police officers, including armed patrols, would be deployed across the capital to reassure residents and visitors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Golders Green on Thursday to meet Jewish volunteer organisations and emergency responders. The visit was marked by protests, with some demonstrators shouting at the prime minister during the trip.
Starmer said he understood the anxiety felt by many members of the Jewish community following the attack.
Recent Incidents Targeting Jewish Community
The stabbings are the latest in a series of incidents involving Jewish institutions and communities in the UK.
In October last year, two Jewish people were killed and three others seriously injured in a car-ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester. One of the attackers was shot dead by police.
Earlier this year, four ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency charity Hatzola were set on fire in a synagogue car park in Golders Green.
In recent weeks, the Finchley Reform Synagogue was attacked and a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window at the Kenton United Synagogue.
Police say some previous incidents have been linked to groups with connections to foreign regimes, although investigators have not made any such link to Wednesday’s attack.
UK Terror Threat Level System
The decision to raise the threat level was taken by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which independently assesses the risk of terrorism in the UK.
Britain operates a five-level threat system:
Critical – an attack is highly likely in the near future
Severe – an attack is highly likely
Substantial – an attack is likely
Moderate – an attack is possible but not likely
Low – an attack is highly unlikely
The UK last moved to a “severe” threat level in November 2021 after a bomb exploded outside Liverpool Women's Hospital and the killing of MP David Amess. The level was lowered to “substantial” in February 2022.
The government has also announced £25m in additional funding for policing and security measures around synagogues, schools and community centres.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Near Crete

Middle East

Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Near Crete

Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza near the Greek island of Crete and detained about 175 activists, organisers and officials said on Thursday.

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The vessels were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a campaign organised by pro-Palestinian activists seeking to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Organisers said Israeli forces boarded several boats in international waters during an overnight operation north-west of Crete, more than 965km (600 miles) from Gaza.
Israel said the interception was lawful and carried out without casualties.
Flotilla operation and Israeli response
The flotilla had departed two weeks earlier, with 58 vessels joining the convoy from Spain, France and Italy. According to GSF organisers, 22 boats carrying humanitarian aid were intercepted during the Israeli operation.
In a statement, the group accused Israeli forces of conducting a “violent raid in international waters”, claiming that engines were damaged and communications jammed during the boarding.
Organisers said more than 180 civilians from several countries had been affected. They alleged that after detaining participants, Israeli forces left some boats disabled in rough conditions as a storm approached.
Israel rejected the accusations. Its foreign ministry described the flotilla as a “public relations stunt” intended to undermine a proposed Gaza peace plan promoted by US President Donald Trump.
The ministry said Israeli forces had detained about 175 activists and transferred them onto Israeli naval vessels. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said those detained would be taken ashore in Greece later on Thursday.
According to Israel, the operation took place peacefully and did not result in casualties. Officials added that an initial inspection of the boats had uncovered materials including drugs and contraceptives.
The ministry also accused organisers of attempting to block an Israeli merchant ship and alleged that the flotilla’s organisers were working with the Palestinian armed group Hamas.
Greek response and political reactions
Greek officials said the interception occurred outside Greece’s territorial waters and that authorities had not been consulted beforehand.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Israeli naval vessels were operating in international waters at the time. He added that Greece’s coast guard had been informed by Israeli counterparts that several flotilla vessels had been left adrift while the activists were transferred to Israeli warships.
Marinakis said Greek authorities were on alert but could only intervene in international waters during search and rescue operations.
Opposition politician Dimitris Mantzos called on the Greek government to explain its response to what he described as an illegal act.
International criticism
Several European figures criticised the seizure.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the immediate release of Italian citizens detained during the operation. Italian media reported that 24 Italians were among those held.
Meloni also urged Israel to respect international law and ensure the safety of those involved.
A spokesperson for the European Union’s foreign affairs service, Anouar El Anouni, reiterated the bloc’s call for Israel to comply with international humanitarian and maritime law.
Gaza humanitarian concerns
The flotilla’s organisers say their mission aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and push for the creation of a permanent humanitarian corridor into the territory.
Israel maintains that aid deliveries into Gaza are permitted and says there is no cap on the volume of assistance entering through authorised crossings.
However, a senior United Nations official warned this week that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe. Khaled Khiari, the UN assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, told the Security Council that the territory’s population of about 2.1 million people continues to face deadly strikes and deteriorating living conditions.
He said aid access had improved somewhat in recent weeks but remained unpredictable, with restrictions on some supplies and limited crossing points hampering relief efforts.
The current conflict began after Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 72,600 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Iran War Drags On as Trump Faces Strategic Dilemma

Iranian Conflict

Iran War Drags On as Trump Faces Strategic Dilemma

The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its eighth week, placing President Donald Trump under growing pressure as efforts to resolve the conflict remain uncertain and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global oil supplies.

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When US warplanes joined Israeli forces in launching strikes against Iranian leadership and military targets, the operation was expected to be swift. The military campaign succeeded in damaging Iranian command structures, but the political outcome anticipated by Washington has yet to materialise.
Iran remains defiant and has shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. The closure has intensified pressure on global energy markets and raised fuel prices, including in the United States.
Washington responded by imposing its own blockade aimed at restricting Iran’s oil exports. The move is estimated to be costing Tehran about $500 million a day while threatening the country’s long-term energy production. However, diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff have stalled.
Strait of Hormuz becomes central battleground
Analysts say the conflict has evolved beyond its initial objectives. Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat and Middle East negotiator now with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the confrontation had shifted from a conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran into a wider economic crisis.
Rising energy costs are already affecting American consumers, with petrol prices approaching a four-year high. The increases come as the United States prepares for midterm elections that could determine control of Congress.
One possible diplomatic option under discussion would involve a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while postponing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, including the fate of more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium and Tehran’s future right to enrich uranium.
But talks have proved difficult. According to reports, Iran has indicated it would reopen the strait only if ships pay transit fees and has shown little willingness to negotiate on its nuclear programme.
Trump has publicly suggested that Iran is under internal strain. In social media comments, he said the country was struggling to determine its leadership after recent strikes and claimed Tehran wanted the waterway reopened.
Yet earlier rounds of negotiations ended without agreement, and attempts to send US envoys to the region — including businessman Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner — were reportedly halted by the president.
Comparisons with earlier nuclear deal
Officials in Washington are wary of concluding a deal that could highlight how US objectives in Iran have fallen short. Any agreement could invite comparisons with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 nuclear accord negotiated during the presidency of Barack Obama.
Trump withdrew the United States from that agreement in 2018, arguing it failed to permanently halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Former negotiators involved in the earlier accord say Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz has altered the balance of the current crisis, giving Tehran leverage that some analysts describe as potentially more useful than possessing a nuclear weapon.
Military option carries risks
One alternative being discussed is a US-led operation to reopen the strait by force. Such a mission would involve escorting oil tankers through the waterway while protecting them from attacks by Iranian boats, missiles, drones and mines.
Supporters of the plan say naval escorts, destroyers and air support could help shield tankers from Iranian forces. However, analysts caution that some attacks would likely penetrate defences and cause casualties.
Another, more extreme option — a large-scale attack on Iran’s infrastructure or a ground invasion — is viewed by many experts as even riskier and unlikely to guarantee political concessions from Tehran.
Leadership vacuum adds uncertainty
The conflict has also created instability within Iran’s leadership. Airstrikes killed Iran’s long-time supreme leader Ali Khamenei and injured his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei, leaving rival factions competing for influence.
Critics in Washington say the situation reflects the consequences of the military campaign launched by the United States and Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Some analysts warn the conflict is now contributing to economic pressures in the United States as well as geopolitical instability, increasing scrutiny of the administration’s strategy as the war continues with no clear resolution in sight.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

• Trump

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April 30Apr 30

Banksy Claims Statue Installed in Central London

UK

Banksy Claims Statue Installed in Central London

Street artist Banksy has confirmed that a large statue which appeared in central London this week is his work, drawing crowds to view the latest installation by the elusive figure.

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The sculpture, bearing the artist’s signature, depicts a suited man striding forward from a plinth while carrying a flag that obscures his face. The piece was placed at Waterloo Place in St James’s, an area historically associated with monuments commemorating Britain’s imperial past.
Nearby statues include figures such as Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, as well as the Crimean War Memorial.
Representatives for Banksy told the BBC the statue was installed during the early hours of Wednesday. The artist later posted a video of the piece on his Instagram account on Thursday afternoon confirming authorship.
Commenting on the placement of the work on a ceremonial island in the square, Banksy wrote: “There was a bit of a gap.”
Crowds Gather at New Artwork
Since its appearance, increasing numbers of visitors have come to see the statue.
Ollie Isaac, a 23-year-old student among those viewing the work, said the installation might not remain for long.
“With Banksy, it’s a limited time event because it’s public art – you don’t know how long it’s going to be up,” he said.
Isaac described the sculpture as “brilliant,” suggesting it could be a response to what he called a resurgence of nationalism. He added that the figure’s clothing resembled that of a politician.
Teacher Lynette Cloraleigh, 55, said she visited the site after seeing a post about it on Instagram.
“I like it,” she said. “I like where it is. It’s intriguing how it got here.”
Contractors were later seen installing safety barriers around the sculpture on Thursday afternoon.
Council Moves to Protect the Work
Westminster City Council, which oversees the area, said the statue would remain in place for public viewing.
“We’re excited to see Banksy’s latest sculpture in Westminster, making a striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene,” the council said in a statement.
It added that initial steps had been taken to protect the piece but that visitors would still be able to access it.
Interpretations of the Statue
James Peak, host of the BBC podcast series The Banksy Story, said the artwork appeared to depict a powerful figure blinded by the flag he carries.
“Here you’ve got a comment on a chest-puffed man in power with the flag completely obscuring his vision,” he said, suggesting the figure is about to step off the plinth.
Peak described the installation as an unusual type of statue because it captures a moment of movement rather than a static pose.
He also questioned how the artist managed to place the large sculpture at the location despite security in the area.
Discussing the setting, Peak said Britain’s imperial history and its monuments may form part of the context for the work, noting that many of Banksy’s pieces function as political commentary.
Online responses to the Instagram post included viewers describing the statue as a critique of “blind patriotism.” Some users praised the simplicity of the concept, saying the image of a suited figure obscured by a flag reflected themes commonly associated with the artist.
Part of a Series of London Works
This is not the first time Banksy has placed a statue in London. In 2004, he installed The Drinker, a parody of Auguste Rodin’s famous sculpture The Thinker, on Shaftesbury Avenue. The piece was later stolen.
The latest installation also follows several recent works attributed to the artist in the capital. In December, a mural appeared in Bayswater showing two children lying on the ground. In September, Banksy said he created a painting at the Royal Courts of Justice depicting a protester lying beneath a judge holding a gavel.
In 2024, the artist also produced an “animal trail” across London featuring images including a goat, elephants, monkeys, piranhas and pelicans.
As with many of his works, the pieces were installed without public announcement and later confirmed through posts on his Instagram account.
Banksy’s identity remains officially unknown, and many of his works — often interpreted as political statements — are removed or disappear soon after they appear.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Oil Prices Jump as Trump Weighs Iran Strike Options

Iranian Conflict

Oil Prices Jump as Trump Weighs Iran Strike Options

Global oil prices climbed to their highest level since 2022 after reports that the U.S. military is preparing to brief Donald Trump on possible new military options in the conflict involving Iran.

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Benchmark Brent crude briefly surged nearly 7% to more than $126 a barrel before retreating later in the day. The spike followed a report by Axios that United States Central Command had prepared plans for a wave of “short and powerful” strikes aimed at breaking a deadlock in negotiations with Tehran.
The BBC said it had contacted both Central Command and the White House for comment.
Oil markets react to escalating tensions
Energy markets have been volatile throughout the week as diplomatic efforts appear to have stalled. The situation has been compounded by disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global energy supplies.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets. Ongoing tensions have effectively closed the route, sending energy prices sharply higher.
Brent crude reached $126.31 a barrel earlier Thursday, its highest level since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prices later fell back to around $114.
Analysts partly attributed the sudden drop to technical factors linked to oil trading contracts.
Futures contracts add to price swings
The June Brent futures contract expired on Thursday, contributing to the sharp change in price, according to Naveen Das, a senior oil analyst at Kpler. Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date.
The more actively traded July contract was priced lower, at roughly $110 a barrel.
Despite the late-day decline, the recent surge in crude prices has pushed up costs for motorists and businesses, raising concerns about broader inflation.
Rising costs for consumers
Crude oil is a key component in the production of petrol and diesel. Since the start of the Iran conflict, fuel prices have climbed significantly in several countries.
In the UK, petrol now averages 157 pence per litre, according to the motoring group RAC, about 24 pence higher than before the war began. Diesel prices stand at 188.5 pence per litre, up 46 pence compared with pre-war levels.
Simon Williams, head of policy at RAC, said wholesale petrol costs have reached their highest point since the conflict began, even though prices at the pump have eased slightly in recent days.
He added that diesel prices, which have fallen modestly in wholesale markets, could decline further.
Wider economic impact feared
Governments and analysts warn the effects may extend beyond fuel prices.
Higher energy costs could push up the price of food, electricity and air travel. Fertiliser prices have already started rising after shipments of urea, a key fertiliser component, were disrupted.
Some airlines have begun raising fares or reducing services as fuel costs increase.
Axios reported that one U.S. proposal involves targeting infrastructure in Iran through limited strikes. Another option reportedly focuses on securing parts of the Strait of Hormuz in order to reopen the route to commercial shipping, potentially involving ground troops.
Meanwhile, a statement attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamanei said Tehran would safeguard the waterway and end what it described as “abuses” by adversaries.
Washington has warned it may blockade Iranian ports as long as Tehran threatens shipping in the strait, a move that could further disrupt global energy flows.
Analysts say the escalation risk has left markets unsettled, with investors increasingly concerned about the potential inflationary impact of rising oil prices.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Trump Considers Reducing U.S. Troops in Germany

Trump

Trump Considers Reducing U.S. Troops in Germany

President Donald Trump said the United States is reviewing whether to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany, raising fresh questions about Washington’s military posture in Europe and its relationship with NATO allies.

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In a message posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, Donald Trump said the administration was examining the possibility of scaling back forces.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” he wrote.
Background to U.S. presence in Germany
The United States has maintained a large military presence in Germany since the aftermath of World War II and throughout the Cold War. According to figures from the United States Department of Defense, more than 36,000 active-duty American troops were stationed across German bases as of December last year.
In addition to those personnel, roughly 1,500 reservists and about 11,500 civilian employees are also based there. Among foreign countries hosting U.S. forces, only Japan has a larger American troop presence.
Germany hosts several key facilities central to U.S. military operations. The country is home to the headquarters of United States European Command and United States Africa Command, while Ramstein Air Base functions as a major logistics and operational hub.
Tensions over Iran and NATO
The announcement comes amid growing friction between Washington and some European governments over the conflict involving Iran. Several European leaders have been reluctant to support the U.S. approach to the crisis.
Mr Trump has voiced frustration with allies who have distanced themselves from the conflict and has criticised NATO for not joining the war effort, once describing the alliance as a “paper tiger”. A law passed in 2023 prevents a U.S. president from withdrawing from NATO without approval from Congress.
Relations with Berlin have also been strained following remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Earlier this week, he criticised the U.S. handling of the conflict with Iran, saying Washington appeared to lack a clear strategy and suggesting American negotiators were being “humiliated” by their Iranian counterparts.
In response, Mr Trump accused the German leader of misunderstanding the issue and suggested he was tolerant of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
“No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise,” the president wrote on social media.
Despite the exchange, Mr Merz told reporters shortly before the troop reduction proposal was raised that he maintained a good relationship with the U.S. president.
Previous disputes over defence spending
Mr Trump’s criticism of NATO predates the current dispute. During both his presidential campaigns and his time in office, he has repeatedly accused member states of failing to meet defence spending commitments and relying too heavily on the United States for security.
In 2020, during the final year of his first administration, he announced plans to withdraw about 12,000 U.S. troops from Germany, arguing that Berlin had not contributed enough to defence spending. The proposal faced opposition from lawmakers in both parties and was later reversed by his successor, Joe Biden.
More recently, in a smaller adjustment last autumn, U.S. officials said about 700 troops deployed across Germany, Romania and Poland would return to the United States.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa said at the time that the move was part of a broader effort to maintain a balanced military presence and did not represent a withdrawal from Europe or a reduced commitment to NATO.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026

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April 30Apr 30

Trump Says Putin May Announce Ukraine Ceasefire

Ukraine Conflict

Trump Says Putin May Announce Ukraine Ceasefire

President Donald Trump said he held a lengthy call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and suggested that Moscow consider a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, adding that the Russian leader might soon make an announcement on the idea.

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Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the discussion covered both the war in Ukraine and tensions involving Iran. He said he proposed what he described as “a little bit of a ceasefire” in Ukraine and believes Putin may consider it.
“I had a long talk with President Putin,” Trump said during the appearance, which took place alongside astronauts from the Artemis II mission at an event recognising their achievements. “I suggested a little bit of a ceasefire and I think he might do that. He might announce something having to do with it.”
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that Putin told Trump he was ready to declare a ceasefire tied to Victory Day, a national holiday on May 9 marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Ceasefire linked to Victory Day
According to TASS, the proposed ceasefire would coincide with Victory Day commemorations, which are a major annual event in Russia.
Trump said the call with Putin lasted more than 90 minutes. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago, and fighting has continued despite repeated international efforts to negotiate a settlement.
The US president has been pressing both Moscow and Kyiv for months to reach a deal to end the conflict, though little visible progress has been reported so far.
Trump said he believes the Russian leader is open to finding a resolution.
“I think he would like to see a solution,” Trump said of Putin. “He was ready to make a deal a while ago.”
He added that he expects a solution could emerge relatively quickly, although he did not provide details on how negotiations might advance or when a breakthrough might occur.
Uncertainty over war timelines
During the remarks, Trump was asked whether the conflict between Russia and Ukraine or the US confrontation with Iran might end first.
The president said he could not predict which situation would be resolved sooner and suggested they might unfold on a similar timeline.
“Which war would end first? I don’t know, maybe they’re on a similar timetable,” Trump said, describing the question as “interesting”.
The United States has been engaged in escalating tensions with Iran while continuing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Discussion of Iran’s uranium
Trump said Iran was also discussed during the call, and that Putin offered to help address the issue of enriched uranium in the country.
According to Trump, the Russian president suggested Moscow could assist with “enrichment”, which Trump indicated might refer to helping remove Iran’s enriched uranium.
However, Trump said he told Putin he would prefer Russia concentrate on ending the war in Ukraine.
“He told me he’d like to be involved with the enrichment, if he can help us get it,” Trump said. “I said, ‘I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.’ To me, that would be more important.”
The call comes as diplomatic efforts continue around both conflicts, though no immediate changes on the battlefield or in negotiations were announced.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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April 29Apr 29

Europol Task Force Arrests 280 Over ‘Violence-for-Hire’

Report

Europol Task Force Arrests 280 Over ‘Violence-for-Hire’

European police have arrested 280 people in the first year of a multinational operation targeting a growing criminal trend in which violence is offered as a paid service, according to the European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol.

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The arrests were made by an international task force set up to tackle networks that recruit individuals—often young people—through social media and messaging platforms to carry out crimes ranging from assaults to killings.
Authorities say the development reflects a shift in organised crime, where violent acts can now be arranged online in a model resembling a gig economy.
Growing ‘violence-as-a-service’ networks
In a statement released on Wednesday, Europol said violence is increasingly being treated as a service that can be arranged remotely.
“Violence is no longer confined to isolated acts or local dynamics,” the agency said. “It is increasingly offered as a service: accessible, scalable and driven by online ecosystems that enable recruitment, coordination and execution across borders.”
According to Europol, criminal groups use online platforms to recruit people willing to commit violent acts on their behalf. Many recruits are minors or young adults who are contacted through encrypted messaging apps or social media.
The agency warned that such networks allow criminal organisers to operate across multiple countries while distancing themselves from the acts carried out on the ground.
International policing effort
The task force was created last year and brings together law enforcement agencies from 11 European countries. Participating nations include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Over its first 12 months, investigators identified more than 1,400 individuals suspected of links to violence-for-hire operations.
Authorities said the arrests represent early results of a broader effort to dismantle the networks behind the crimes rather than focusing only on those who carry them out.
Cases linked to attacks and shootings
Among those detained was a Dutch citizen accused of acting as a getaway driver for two minors suspected of carrying out a series of explosions in Germany in July and August 2025.
In another case, Swedish police arrested a minor in January for alleged involvement in a shooting outside a prison in the Dutch city of Alphen aan den Rijn.
Europol said these incidents illustrate how individuals can be recruited from one country to commit violent acts in another, often arranged entirely online.
Suspects added to Europe’s most-wanted list
The agency has also published details of three men on Europe’s most-wanted website who are believed to be linked to violence-as-a-service networks.
Two of the suspects are from Sweden and one is from Germany. Authorities say they are wanted in connection with offences including murder, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Investigators say the cross-border nature of these networks makes international cooperation essential to tracking down those organising and financing the crimes.
Law enforcement officials warn that the model could continue to expand as criminals exploit digital platforms to recruit participants and coordinate attacks across Europe.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

• Crime

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April 29Apr 29

Kim Praises Troops Who Chose Death Over Capture

Ukraine Conflict

Kim Praises Troops Who Chose Death Over Capture

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised soldiers who killed themselves with grenades to avoid capture while fighting alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine, publicly acknowledging a practice long suspected by intelligence agencies.

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Speaking in Pyongyang earlier this week, Kim described the troops who chose to detonate explosives rather than surrender as heroes who acted to protect the honour of their country.
State media outlet Korean Central News Agency reported that the remarks were made during a ceremony unveiling a memorial for North Korean soldiers killed while fighting in support of Russia.
Honouring fallen soldiers
According to the report, Kim said soldiers who “unhesitatingly opted for self-blasting, suicide attack, in order to defend the great honour” deserved recognition for their actions.
He described their behaviour as the highest form of loyalty.
“Their self-sacrifice expecting no compensation, and the devotion expecting no reward… this is the definition of the height of loyalty of our army,” Kim said.
Senior Russian officials attended the ceremony, including Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.
The event highlighted growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
North Korean troops in Kursk
South Korean officials estimate that around 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russian forces attempting to regain territory in the western Russian region of Kursk Oblast.
Seoul says more than 6,000 of those soldiers may already have been killed in combat. Neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly confirmed those figures.
Intelligence agencies and North Korean defectors have previously reported that soldiers sent abroad were instructed to take their own lives if capture appeared likely.
In North Korea’s military culture, surrender is widely portrayed as a betrayal of the state.
Evidence from prisoners and documents
Earlier this year, South Korean broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation aired an interview with two North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine.
One of the prisoners said he regretted not killing himself during the fighting.
“Everyone else blew themselves up. I failed,” he said in the televised programme.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said last year that documents recovered from the bodies of North Korean soldiers also suggested such orders had been issued.
In his speech, Kim also praised soldiers who died in combat during attacks.
He said those who fell while advancing in battle, or those who felt frustration at failing to complete their mission, should also be regarded as loyal patriots.
Growing Russia–North Korea ties
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has deepened since the start of the Ukraine war.
In June 2024, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a defence agreement committing both countries to assist each other in the event of aggression.
Kim described the treaty at the time as the strongest agreement between the two nations.
North Korea has also pledged to send thousands of workers to help rebuild infrastructure in Russia’s Kursk region following fighting there.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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April 29Apr 29

Russia Scales Back Victory Day Parade Over Security Threat

Russia

Russia Scales Back Victory Day Parade Over Security Threat

Russia will scale back its annual Victory Day military parade in Moscow on 9 May, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Kremlin has said. Officials said the ceremony on Red Square will still take place but will be held without some traditional elements, including armoured vehicles and cadets from military academies.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision was taken because of what Moscow described as a “terrorist threat” from Ukraine.
“All measures are being taken to minimise the danger,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Russia’s defence ministry later confirmed that the parade would not include columns of military equipment or cadets from the Suvorov military schools, Nakhimov naval schools and other cadet corps.
Security concerns cited
Despite the changes, the ceremony marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two will still go ahead in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring representatives from different branches of the armed forces and a military fly-past.
The ministry also said television broadcasts would include footage of Russian troops operating in what Moscow calls the “special military operation zone” — the official term used by Russia to describe its invasion of Ukraine.
Changes to a symbolic event
Victory Day celebrations have long been a key state event in Russia, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
President Vladimir Putin revived the large-scale display of heavy military hardware on Red Square in 2008, presenting the parade as a demonstration of the country’s growing defence capabilities.
Last year’s commemorations were particularly elaborate, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. More than 20 world leaders attended ceremonies in Moscow, which featured modern weaponry including tanks and drones.
While Russia has altered the format of parades in recent years, this will be the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that armoured vehicles will not appear on Red Square.
Growing fears of attacks
Reports that this year’s parade could be reduced first circulated on Russian social media earlier in April. Several pro-Kremlin military bloggers suggested officials were concerned about the possibility of long-range Ukrainian drone or missile strikes.
One blogger, Ilya Tumanov, told Russian media that a missile warning during the parade would be damaging for the country’s image even if no strike occurred.
Other pro-war commentators also noted that the usual large-scale rehearsals — which typically involve extensive road closures in central Moscow — had not taken place.
Authorities are also expected to tighten security measures around the event. A telecommunications source told BBC Russian that stronger restrictions on mobile communications will be imposed in Moscow on 5, 7 and 9 May.
Mobile internet services in the centre of the city were previously disrupted in March, which officials linked to security measures.
Ukraine intensifies strikes inside Russia
The security concerns follow a rise in Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russian territory, more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Kyiv says its operations target military and energy infrastructure used to support Russia’s war effort.
In recent days, Ukrainian officials reported a drone strike on an oil pumping station near the city of Perm, about 1,500km from the Ukrainian border. Local authorities described the site only as an industrial facility.
Another strike earlier in the week hit a major oil refinery in the Black Sea port of Tuapse for the third time this month. Previous attacks there reportedly caused an oil spill into the sea, with residents describing “black rain” that left oily residue across the city.
Ukraine has not responded publicly to Moscow’s accusations of terrorism. However, Mykhailo Podoliak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recently ruled out the possibility of an attack on the Victory Day parade itself, noting that many civilians attend the event.
War shapes national narrative
Many analysts say the legacy of World War Two — known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War — remains central to the country’s national identity and to the political messaging of the Kremlin.
For the Russian leadership, the annual Victory Day parade is both a commemoration of past sacrifices and a demonstration of military strength.
But this year’s scaled-down event highlights how the ongoing war in Ukraine is reshaping even Russia’s most symbolic national ceremonies.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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webfact

April 29Apr 29

Powell to Stay on Fed Board as Chairmanship Ends

USA

Powell to Stay on Fed Board as Chairmanship Ends

Outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said he will remain on the central bank’s Board of Governors after handing over the chairmanship next month, an unusual move that comes amid legal scrutiny and concerns about the institution’s independence.

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Speaking after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, Powell told reporters he intends to stay on the board while his successor, Kevin Warsh, assumes the role of chair.
Powell said he expects to maintain a “low profile” as a governor once the transition takes place. His decision means it will be the first time since 1948 that a Fed chair has continued serving on the board after stepping down from the top post.
“I will leave when I think it's appropriate to do so,” Powell said.
Probe and Concerns Over Fed Independence
Powell indicated that his decision is linked to concerns about legal challenges facing the central bank. He referred to a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice that had targeted him over renovations at the Fed’s headquarters.
Although the investigation has since been dropped, the Justice Department has said it could reopen the case if necessary. Powell said he intends to remain on the board until the matter is fully resolved.
“I’ve said that I will not leave the board until this investigation is well and truly over with transparency and finality,” he said.
Powell also warned that legal actions against the Federal Reserve could threaten its ability to make decisions free from political pressure. He said the series of legal challenges directed at the institution were unprecedented in its history.
According to Powell, the issue is not criticism from elected officials but the use of legal action against the central bank, which he believes could undermine its ability to conduct monetary policy independently.
A Turbulent Final Stretch
Fed chairs typically step down completely once their term ends, but Powell’s departure follows a turbulent period that included political criticism and investigations related to the central bank’s building renovation project. The project also remains under review by an inspector general inquiry.
Throughout his tenure, Powell has tried to present himself as politically neutral, at times wearing purple ties to avoid signalling affiliation with either political party. He has also publicly resisted pressure from Donald Trump to cut interest rates.
Trump, however, originally appointed Powell to lead the Federal Reserve in 2017.
Economic Challenges Ahead
Powell’s departure from the chairmanship comes as the U.S. economy faces several uncertainties. The Federal Reserve is tasked with balancing its dual mandate: maintaining stable inflation near 2% while supporting maximum employment.
Recent global events have complicated that task. Supply disruptions following the pandemic pushed inflation higher, while Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 added further pressure to energy and commodity markets.
More recently, rising oil prices linked to tensions surrounding Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route have pushed gasoline prices to their highest levels since August 2022.
At the same time, the labour market has shown signs of softening. Hiring has slowed while layoffs remain relatively low, creating what economists describe as a “low hire, low fire” environment as companies adjust to economic uncertainty and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Powell’s Possible Role on the Board
Some policymakers have raised concerns about how Warsh might approach monetary policy once he takes over. Senator Elizabeth Warren has suggested that the incoming chair could face pressure to pursue rate cuts.
However, interest rate decisions are made collectively by the Federal Reserve’s policy-setting body, which has 12 voting members. Any changes must be approved by a majority.
By remaining on the board, Powell could still influence those discussions, potentially acting as a counterweight if political pressure intensifies.
Despite that possibility, Powell said he does not intend to become a prominent critic of the institution’s future direction.
Instead, he said he hopes tensions surrounding the Federal Reserve will ease and that policymakers will continue to work toward consensus.
As he closed what may be his final press conference as chair, Powell told reporters he expected to step back from the spotlight.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “I won’t see you next time.”

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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April 29Apr 29

King Charles and Camilla Lay Flowers at 9/11 Memorial

USA

King Charles and Camilla Lay Flowers at 9/11 Memorial

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have laid flowers at the September 11 Memorial in New York during their state visit to the United States, marking a solemn moment of remembrance for the victims of the 2001 attacks.

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The royal couple visited the site for the first time, paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who were killed during the attacks on 11 September 2001. Their visit formed part of the third day of a four-day trip to the US.
Tribute at the memorial
Standing beside the reflecting pools at the memorial site in lower Manhattan, the King and Queen placed a bouquet of white roses in honour of those who died. The pools mark the footprint of the former towers of the World Trade Center, destroyed during the September 11 attacks.
A handwritten note left with the flowers read: “We honour the memory for those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001.
“We stand in enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss. Charles R Camilla.”
During the visit, the King and Queen spoke with families of victims and first responders who took part in rescue operations after the attacks.
Among those present were New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and former mayor Michael Bloomberg, along with other dignitaries.
The event took place under tight security, with road closures, checkpoints and a strong police presence around the memorial area. Helicopters were also seen circling overhead as the visit took place.
Remarks on the attacks
The importance of the attacks was also highlighted earlier in the visit when the King addressed members of the United States Congress.
In that speech, he described the attacks as a defining moment for the country and spoke about the global reaction that followed.
“This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world,” he told lawmakers.
He also used the moment to urge continued support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, noting that member states had rallied behind the United States after the attacks. The King said a similar determination was now needed to support Ukraine.
Cultural visit during US trip
While the memorial visit was sombre, other parts of the New York itinerary are expected to have a lighter tone.
Queen Camilla, who promotes reading through her Queen's Reading Room initiative, is presenting a special gift to the New York Public Library.
The library has displayed the original stuffed toys that inspired the characters in Winnie-the-Pooh since 1987. However, one character — Roo, the baby kangaroo — has been missing from the collection since the 1930s.
To fill the gap, the Queen has brought a replacement Roo toy from the UK, produced by the same company that made the original toys.
The King is also due to visit Harlem later in the day to see a project focused on education and access to healthy food.
The royal couple will conclude the day by attending a reception celebrating creative industries, which organisers say is expected to draw a number of well-known guests.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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April 29Apr 29

Indian Carries Sister’s Skeleton to Bank to Prove Death

Report

Indian Carries Sister’s Skeleton to Bank to Prove Death

A man in eastern India carried the skeletal remains of his sister to a bank after repeated attempts to withdraw her savings failed, triggering widespread outrage and drawing national attention to bureaucratic hurdles faced by rural families.

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The incident took place earlier this week in Keonjhar district in the eastern state of Odisha. Video footage circulating online showed 52-year-old Jitu Munda arriving at a bank with a sack containing his sister’s remains and placing it outside the building.
Munda later told BBC Hindi he had taken the drastic step out of frustration after bank officials repeatedly asked him for proof that his sister had died.
Local police said Munda had exhumed the remains before bringing them to the bank.
Dispute over bank procedures
The bank involved, Odisha Grameen Bank, denied asking Munda to present the deceased in person. It said staff had only requested documents required by law to release the funds.
The bank is operated by Indian Overseas Bank, which said reports suggesting staff demanded the physical presence of the dead woman were incorrect.
In a statement, the bank said the situation appeared to have arisen from a lack of awareness of official procedures. It also alleged that Munda first arrived at the branch in an intoxicated state and behaved disruptively, later returning with the remains.
Branch manager Sushant Kumar Sethi told BBC Hindi that Munda had earlier claimed his sister was paralysed and unable to visit the bank. According to Sethi, staff had offered to visit her at home, but later learned she had died.
The manager also said other relatives had come forward as legal heirs and were asked to submit the necessary documentation before the funds could be released.
Officials order investigation
The video prompted strong reactions on social media and criticism of local authorities and the bank, with many pointing to the challenges rural families face when dealing with official procedures.
Suresh Pujari said the case was under investigation and that action would be taken against the branch manager over his alleged conduct.
The Keonjhar district administration said it had “deep concern” about the incident and stressed that protecting the dignity and rights of citizens remained a priority.
Sister’s savings and legal hurdles
Munda said the dispute began after the death of his 56-year-old sister, Kalara, earlier this year.
According to him, she had worked as a daily wage labourer and had returned to her maternal home following the deaths of her husband and son.
A few months before she died, Kalara sold her livestock and deposited about 19,300 rupees (around $203) in the bank.
Munda said he visited the branch several times after her death but could not access the funds.
“When the bank manager refused to listen and kept asking for proof, I got frustrated,” he said. “I brought the skeleton to show that she had died.”
In India, when a bank account holder dies without naming a nominee, relatives must submit documents such as a death certificate and proof of legal heirship before the money can be released. Obtaining these documents can take time, particularly in rural areas where access to administrative services is limited.
Case resolved after backlash
Following the public reaction, local authorities intervened and persuaded Munda to return the remains to the burial site.
Officials also assured him that the issue would be addressed and offered him 30,000 rupees in assistance.
By Wednesday, authorities had issued both a death certificate and legal heir documentation. The bank said the funds had since been handed over to the woman’s family members.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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April 29Apr 29

Comey appears in court over alleged threat to Trump

USA

Comey appears in court over alleged threat to Trump

Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities on Wednesday to face criminal charges linked to a social media post that prosecutors say threatened the life of US President Donald Trump.

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The case centres on a 2025 Instagram image posted by Comey showing seashells arranged on a beach to spell “86 47”. Prosecutors argue the phrase carries a violent meaning, claiming it could be interpreted as a call to harm Trump, who is the 47th US president.
Comey briefly appeared in federal court in Virginia on Wednesday afternoon but did not enter a plea or make a statement during the hearing.
Court appearance in Virginia
Judge William Fitzpatrick read the charges and advised Comey of his legal rights. According to CBS News, Comey nodded during the proceedings and later smiled at family members as he left the courtroom.
The judge rejected a request by the Justice Department to impose conditions on Comey’s release, determining they were unnecessary.
Charges linked to social media image
Federal prosecutors have accused Comey of knowingly making a threat to kill or harm the president and of transmitting a threat through interstate communications.
Each of the charges carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The investigation stems from a May 2025 Instagram post in which Comey shared a photo of seashells spelling out “86 47” alongside the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”


“Cool shell formation,” James Comey wrote in an Instagram post accompanying this image. The post was later deleted, and Comey now faces charges alleging he threatened the life of US President Donald Trump.

The phrase “eighty-six” is sometimes used in slang to mean “get rid of”. Prosecutors say that interpretation could be understood as an encouragement of violence against Trump.
Comey has denied any wrongdoing and says he was unaware the numbers might be interpreted that way.
In a video message released on Tuesday, he said he would contest the charges and maintained his innocence.
“This won’t be the end of it,” Comey said. “But I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.”
Political dispute over prosecution
Comey’s lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, said the defence would seek to dismiss the case, arguing it represents selective and vindictive prosecution tied to Comey’s criticism of Trump.
After the original Instagram post drew criticism online, Comey removed the image and published a clarification.
He wrote that he had assumed the arrangement of shells carried a political message but said he had not realised some people associated the numbers with violence. He added that he opposed violence and removed the post once the interpretation was raised.
Trump criticised Comey when asked about the charges on Wednesday, calling him a “crooked man”. The president said the phrase “86” was widely known as a term used by organised crime groups to refer to killing someone.
Asked whether he believed the post represented a threat against him, Trump replied that it “probably” did.
Debate over strength of the case
The prosecution has drawn criticism from some legal analysts and lawmakers who questioned whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for a criminal threat.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he hoped investigators had more evidence than the image alone.
“Otherwise, I just think it’s another example where we’re going to regret this because we’re setting a fairly low bar,” he told reporters.
Former federal prosecutor Jimmy Gurulé described the indictment as “an embarrassment to the American criminal justice system”.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the case, saying investigators had examined the matter for a year.
He rejected claims that the prosecution was politically motivated and said threatening the president is a criminal offence.
Second case brought against Comey
The charges represent the second time the Justice Department has attempted to prosecute Comey since Trump returned to office.
Comey, who was dismissed by Trump during his first presidential term after launching an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, has been a frequent critic of the president.
In September, a federal grand jury indicted him on allegations that he lied to Congress and obstructed a congressional investigation.
Comey pleaded not guilty to those charges, but the case was dismissed in November by US District Judge Cameron Currie.
The judge ruled that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan had not been properly authorised to present the indictment to a grand jury, making the case invalid.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 April 2026

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webfact

April 29Apr 29

Two Jewish Men Stabbed in North London

Two Jewish Men Stabbed in North London

Two Jewish men are seriously injured after being stabbed in Golders Green, north London
A man with a knife was seen running down the high street attempting to stab Jewish people, the Jewish security group Shomrim says
A local resident says one man was stabbed outside shops, and another outside a synagogue
Shomrim says it responded immediately and detained a suspect
It says police arrived and Tasered a man who was then arrested


Board of Deputies says it's working with police to ensure 'forceful response'
18:34
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has also issued a statement.
"We are aware of a reported stabbing incident in Golders Green, with two injured," it says on X.
"The police have apprehended a suspect.
"We are liaising with the CST [Community Security Trust], government and police to understand what has happened and ensure a forceful response."


Developing story from the BBC



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. 29 April 2026


UPDATE



Suspect detained after incident
Shomrim, which operates in the area, said its members detained a male suspect following the attack. The group said the incident involved attempts to stab “Jewish members of the public.”
According to Shomrim, the suspect had been seen running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife.
Political leaders condemn attack
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as an “utterly appalling” antisemitic attack in a post on X, adding that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the violence, calling it an “appalling attack on two Jewish Londoners.” He said there would be increased police visibility in the area.
Recent incidents in the area
The stabbing follows a series of incidents in the same neighbourhood, which has a large Jewish population and is home to several synagogues, schools and restaurants.
In recent weeks, an arson attack on several ambulances in the area was condemned by Starmer as a “deeply shocking antisemitic” act. A separate suspected arson incident was also reported earlier this week.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the suspect or the condition of the victims.



Adapted by ASEAN Now. 29 April 2026

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CharlieH

April 29Apr 29

Ukraine Says 33,000 Russian Drones Downed in March

Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine Says 33,000 Russian Drones Downed in March

Ukraine says its air defences shot down more than 33,000 Russian drones in March, the highest monthly total since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to the country’s defence minister.

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Officials also said Ukrainian long-range drones struck a Russian oil refinery on the Black Sea coast for the third time this month, triggering evacuations and warnings from Moscow about possible environmental damage.
Record number of drones intercepted
Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said interceptor systems had destroyed more than 33,000 Russian drones of various types during March. The figure represents a monthly record since the start of the war.
Kyiv has invested heavily in drone technology during the conflict, developing systems that officials say have helped offset Russia’s larger military.
Interceptor drones have become an increasingly important part of Ukraine’s air defence network, which combines electronic warfare, missile systems and mobile drone units designed to target incoming aerial threats.
Ukrainian officials say the country’s experience on the battlefield has also drawn interest from other regions. Middle Eastern and Gulf countries have begun exploring the use of interceptor drones, particularly amid rising tensions linked to the war involving Iran.
Fedorov said Ukraine is expanding production and supply of interceptor drones to counter continuing Russian aerial attacks. The Ukrainian military has also established a new command structure within the air force to strengthen its drone operations.
Growing range of Ukrainian strikes
Ukraine’s defence ministry said the country’s offensive drone capabilities have also expanded significantly since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.
At the start of the conflict in 2022, Ukrainian forces were able to strike targets roughly 630km (400 miles) away, the ministry said.
Officials now say Ukrainian long-range systems can reach targets up to about 1,750km (1,100 miles) behind Russian lines.
That increased range has allowed Ukrainian forces to target oil facilities that generate revenue for Russia’s war effort, as well as factories linked to military production.
Oil refinery hit on Black Sea coast
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said its drones struck an oil refinery at the Russian port of Tuapse on the Black Sea in a coordinated operation involving several defence and security agencies.
The strike marked the third attack on the facility in less than two weeks, according to Ukrainian officials.
They said two earlier attacks this month destroyed 24 oil storage tanks and damaged four others, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Video released by Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev showed thick black smoke rising above the refinery. Footage also appeared to show oil products spilling onto a nearby street, damaging several vehicles.
Kondratyev said residents living near the refinery were being evacuated but did not provide details about the number of people affected.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attacks could lead to “serious environmental consequences,” according to the Interfax news agency, though he added that authorities reported no immediate major threats.
Drone attacks reported on both sides
Russia’s defence ministry said its air defences intercepted 186 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions, as well as over the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the annexed Crimean peninsula.
In Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, three people were killed and three others injured in a drone attack, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drone strikes also caused casualties inside Ukraine.
Two civilians were killed in the northeastern city of Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region, regional military administration head Oleh Syniehubov said.
In Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a 40-year-old man was killed and five others were injured.
Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people were wounded in a rare daytime drone strike on the capital.
Another Russian attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Konotop disrupted electricity and water supplies, local authorities said.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 April 2026

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webfact

April 28Apr 28