Global News Roundup: Geopolitics, Conflicts, and Economic Developments

Saudi oil delivery times to Asia could rise 2.5-fold

A route via the Suez Canal and the Cape of Good Hope, which would become necessary if the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is closed, would take around 100 days round trip, Asahi reported

UAE became one of Russia’s closest partners in region — Putin

The President of the Russian Federation noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi

Over 60 UAVs destroyed while repelling attack on Russia’s Rostov Region

No casualties were reported, regional head Yury Slyusar said

Missing tourists found in Karachay-Cherkessia, no medical assistance needed

The tourists were escorted to the meeting point and taken to the village of Arkhyz, a spokesperson for the Emergencies Ministry said

Russia may develop Flightradar-like service for tracking Ukrainian drones — expert

Alexey Chadayev, CEO of the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center, believes that the process of creating a unified sensor network operator should be carried out with Rostelecom and leading Russian cellular operators

Kushner hopes new Ukraine ideas to be discussed in trilateral format

The presidential envoy added that the US is "working to try to put that together"

Ethiopia contributes to BRICS, and Russia proud of its accession — Putin

The Russian leader went on to say that Ethopia remains Russia’s longtime trusted partner on the African continent

Canada seeks EU associate membership after escalation of trade war with US — WSJ

Sources cited by the newspaper said that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had spent several months discussing "closer integration of Canada and its 41 mln residents into the EU" with European leaders

Two killed in shooting at New York City playground — newspaper

The New York Post reports that police have made no arrests so far and the investigation into the incident is ongoing

Official launch of 5G communication in Russia: what is known

All users of Android-based devices will gain access to fifth-generation networks in the near future, while access to 5G for iPhone owners will depend on a decision by Apple, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media

Kremlin worried by situation in Bab el-Mandeb Strait — spokesman

"All this may lead to a mega-escalation. It appears that the situation is far from being under control," he added

BRICS concerned about risk of proliferation of terrorism in Sudan — declaration

The leaders called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue

US should help develop Ukraine solution acceptable to Moscow, Kiev — Kushner

The US negotiator added that Ukraine is unwilling to accept Russia's terms

Fuel prices surge in Germany amid Bab el-Mandeb tensions — Bild

According to the newspaper, at 12:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, the average price of a liter of diesel across the country rose to 2.56 euros

Zelensky travels, while Russian leadership has domestic matters to attend to — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister added that if Zelensky wants to meet, then he may come to Moscow for talks

Slowing AI development no longer appears possible — Dmitriev

The CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund was commenting on a Financial Times report that the OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs, and US entrepreneur Elon Musk had called for slowing the development of AI models over safety concerns

Trips to Moscow, Kiev were very successful, US understands next steps — Kushner

The negotiator added that he has "a very clear sense" as to "what can lead to something that's lasting and enduring"

Kiev targets Zaporozhye NPP workers after failed attempt to force them to leave — director

Yury Chernichuk said for more than six months Kiev had been trying to create an uncomfortable environment and conditions that make normal life for the staff unbearable

US believes Russia, Ukraine want to find way to settle conflict — Kushner

The presidential envoy said the negotiators "have to find the right formula" for the deal

Iran hands over to US list of conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz — agency

The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until they are fulfilled, the Tasnim reported

At least 53 drones downed over Russian regions since morning

On-duty air defenses destroyed Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Rostov, Smolensk, Tula, Krasnodar, the Republic of Crimea and over the waters of the Black and Azov seas

Ships passing through Bab el-Mandeb Strait as normal — Houthi official

Hizam al-Assad, a political bureau member of Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement Ansar Allah, also confirmed that the Houthis had completed a military operation in western Yemen to establish control over territories and districts adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Putin, Xi greeted each other but did not talk — Kremlin spokesman

"They greeted each other, but, as far as I know, they had no opportunity to talk," the Kremlin spokesman said

Russia ready to talk to Kiev, but will not stop special operation — foreign minister

"This is already a massive gesture of goodwill on our part, because his executive order banning [talks with Moscow] is still in force," the top Russian diplomat said

Contact lost with ferry carrying 243 people in Indonesia — Reuters

According to the report, at least 103 passengers have been evacuated from the ferry

BRICS nations extend full support to China for 2027 chairmanship — declaration

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced earlier that his country would host the group’s next summit

BRICS nations reiterate commitment to reforming global governance — declaration

The member states emphasized the central role of the UN in the international system in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain peace and security

European troops deployment to Ukraine will mean war with Russia, Putin warns

According to the Russian president, this idea was publicly voiced recently

Kushner hopes next steps on Ukraine settlement to be announced soon

The negotiator specified that the relevant statement may be made "in the next couple of weeks"