The European Commission on Wednesday approved a €5 billion German state aid scheme to help energy-intensive industries shift to climate-friendly production. The funding, to be allocated via competitive tenders based on cost efficiency, targets sectors such as chemicals, metals, paper, glass and cement. Projects must cut emissions by at least 50% within four years and 85% by the end of the 15-year contract period.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Thursday urged swift adoption of the emergency agriculture bill, warning against obstruction as the text heads to the National Assembly floor on May 19. The bill, passed in committee on May 6, includes measures on water storage and livestock farming. Lecornu said the issue of phytopharmaceutical products could be addressed in a separate bill to avoid delaying the urgent package.

Ukrainian drones struck the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez oil refinery in Perm, Russia, for the second time in eight days on May 7, 2026. Governor Dmitry Makhonin confirmed one drone hit an industrial facility while others were shot down, with no casualties reported. The refinery, located over 1,500 km from Ukraine, is one of Russia's largest, processing up to 17 million tonnes of crude oil annually.

Nigel Farage's anti-immigration Reform UK, which has led every national poll for more than a year, is expected to make its largest gains yet at Thursday's English local elections, with some estimates putting the party on 1,000 to 1,500 of the roughly 5,000 council seats up for grabs. Farage's stated objective is to demonstrate that Reform has replaced the Conservatives as the natural party of the British right, with the strongest gains forecast in the north of England and the Midlands and the prospect of Reform turquoise displacing Labour red in some predominantly white, working-class areas of London.

Turkish defence firm Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS) has begun overseas shipments of the CANiK M3 FALCON, a 12.7x99 mm heavy machine gun adapted for helicopter mounting and designed to destroy Shahed-type loitering munitions in flight, chair Zafer Aral told Anadolu at the SAHA 2026 defence exhibition in Istanbul. More than 40 units are being delivered to Azerbaijan for integration into over 20 helicopters, with first shipments also dispatched to Pakistan; the gun reaches 1,200 rounds per minute and matches Shahed flight speeds of about 250 km/h. SYS also signed a deal worth more than $50 million at the fair to arm 100 Kosovan armoured vehicles with turrets and 30x113 mm cannons.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 41% in a new Infratest dimap poll for Saxony-Anhalt, four months before the state election on September 6. The CDU, led by state premier Sven Schulze, trails at 26%, while the Left Party stands at 12% and the SPD at 7%. The poll shows 62% of respondents are dissatisfied with the current state government.

Anthropic published a research agenda Thursday warning of early signs that AI systems are contributing to their own research and development, a process known as recursive self-improvement. Jack Clark, head of the Anthropic Institute, said there is a 60%+ chance an AI model will fully train its successor autonomously by the end of 2028. The document raises the possibility of an 'intelligence explosion' and calls for new geopolitical crisis infrastructure akin to Cold War hotlines.

Shell reported a 19% rise in first-quarter net profit to $5.69 billion on Thursday, driven by soaring oil and gas prices after the Iran war disrupted global energy markets. The company also announced a $3 billion share buyback and a 5% dividend increase, while slowing the pace of quarterly buybacks from $3.5 billion. Shell's shares fell 2.3% on the FTSE 100 amid easing oil prices on hopes of a ceasefire.

Turkish police captured 11 suspected Daesh members in simultaneous raids across Istanbul on Thursday. Authorities said the suspects were involved in Daesh propaganda on social media. The arrests come amid a nationwide sweep following an April 7 attack near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul.

Harmattan AI, a French defense drone startup founded in April 2024 by 26-year-old Mouad M'Ghari, has become the country's first military technology unicorn after raising $200 million (about €170 million) in January. The funding round included Dassault Aviation, maker of the Rafale fighter jet. The company has moved from a small Paris workshop to a new factory in Wissous capable of producing up to 10,000 drones per month, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin.

Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on Thursday he would consider a joint strategy with Edouard Philippe to prevent a second-round runoff between La France Insoumise (LFI) and the far-right National Rally (RN) in the 2027 presidential election. Attal told franceinfo he has proposed a liaison committee with Philippe's representatives to coordinate on timing and conditions for a potential alliance. He declined to say whether he would withdraw in favor of Philippe if polls show Philippe ahead.

Türkiye's electric vehicle maker Togg announced Thursday it has partnered with Chinese battery giant CATL to jointly develop a chassis platform for its new B-segment vehicle family. The two companies will jointly develop three B-segment models, with the first model scheduled for mass production in 2027. The partnership will support the development of new electric vehicles for the Turkish market, with models set to be available gradually from the middle of next year.

Background: The US-Israeli war against Iran has entered its third month with no end in sight, characterized by an indefinite impasse, no good deal possible, Washington losing the initiative, Israel's complicating role, and Iran's asymmetric advantage in defining victory as regime survival. Today, Iran is reviewing a US proposal to end the conflict delivered via Pakistan, and will respond after finalizing its views. Trump stated talks are progressing and predicted a quick end to the war, but also threatened to resume bombing at a higher intensity if no deal is reached. Israel struck Beirut for the first time since the April 17 ceasefire, while Hezbollah launched 17 strikes against Israeli forces inside Lebanon. The Strait of Hormuz blockade is costing Hapag-Lloyd $60 million weekly in fuel and insurance. China's financial regulator advised major banks to pause new loans to five US-sanctioned oil refineries linked to Iranian oil. Iran's parliament speaker mocked US military operations, and Iran's foreign minister sought China's support for a post-war regional framework.

Background: Israel and Lebanon agreed to a temporary ceasefire in April 2025, but Israeli airstrikes have continued killing civilians and Hezbollah has retaliated. Today: The US and Iran are reportedly close to finalizing a one-page memorandum aimed at ending the regional war. An Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs killed a senior Hezbollah commander from its elite force, marking the first such attack since the April truce. Hezbollah launched 17 attacks on Israeli forces inside Lebanon. Iran formally denied involvement in an explosion that hit a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had taken shots at the vessel. In Gaza, Israeli shelling killed at least one Palestinian and seriously wounded the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Israeli forces also conducted a raid in the western countryside of Daraa province, Syria.

Background: On May 5, Russian forces killed six civilians and injured 14 in Ukraine's Donetsk region, with the highest casualties in Kramatorsk, where three high-explosive aerial bombs struck the city center. Today's development: A Russian attack on Kramatorsk killed five people, using guided bombs and drones, part of an intensified offensive in the Donbas. The strike hit the city center, destroying vehicles and causing fires, with cleanup ongoing the next day. The summer is expected to be decisive for the future of Ukrainian control in the Donbas.

Background: President Trump has claimed Iran is in a state of collapse and wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened, while the US maintains a naval blockade and considers new military options. On May 7, 2026, Trump stated that talks with Iran have been 'very good' in the past 24 hours and that a deal to permanently end the US-Israeli war is 'very possible.' He claimed Iran 'wants to make a deal badly' and reiterated that any agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran confirmed that a US proposal conveyed via Pakistani mediation remains under review and that it will communicate its final position after completing internal assessments. Additionally, Iran dismissed parts of an Axios report as 'media speculation,' emphasizing that its negotiating team is focused on 'ending the war completely.'

Background: Rising gasoline prices driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption threaten Republican midterm prospects. New development: Analysts warn that even with a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal reopening the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. gasoline prices will remain elevated through the midterm elections and may not return to pre-war levels until early or mid-2027. The current average price is $4.54 per gallon, up from under $3 before the conflict. Factors include slow recovery of oil transit and production, high-cost inventory at gas stations, and lingering security risks. A 30-day phased reopening is considered optimistic, with meaningful volume recovery expected in June at the earliest. Experts note that Iran can still credibly threaten future Strait closures, and recommend expanding pipeline networks to bypass the Strait.

Oil prices dropped below $100 per barrel amid market optimism that the United States and Iran may reach a nuclear agreement, potentially increasing global oil supply. The decline occurs against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated at the Defence24 Days security conference in Warsaw that Poland could overlook Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's planned 9 May visit to Moscow if Fico helps unblock a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine. Fico, who has previously blocked EU military and financial aid to Kyiv, recently assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan that Slovakia supports Ukraine's EU bid and will not obstruct the loan. Poland and Baltic states had denied Fico's plane overflight rights for the trip, forcing him to fly through the Czech Republic.

Russia's oil and gas revenues surged to 917 billion rubles ($12 billion) in April 2026, nearly doubling from March's 443 billion rubles, but were largely offset by 350 billion rubles ($4.7 billion) in subsidies and refinery repair costs linked to Ukraine's long-range strikes on energy infrastructure. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian strikes are reducing export capacity at key ports Ust-Luga and Primorsk, limiting Moscow's ability to capitalize on higher global oil prices. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov projected an additional 200 billion rubles in May revenues, an update from his earlier projection of additional revenue growth.

Iranian state media released a video on 7 May 2026 purporting to show the wreckage of a US reconnaissance drone allegedly shot down by Iranian forces over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Background: On May 5-6, Russian drone and missile strikes across Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts killed four and injured dozens. On May 7, a Russian drone struck Kharkiv's Novobavarskyi district, injuring nine people, including three children, and damaging 38 houses. A fire broke out at the impact site, and a kiosk also caught fire; emergency services responded, and the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation. Separately, Russian attacks on Kharkiv city and 15 other settlements in the region using guided bombs, drones, and FPV drones injured eight civilians and damaged private homes, garages, vehicles, power lines, and an educational institution across Bohodukhiv, Kupiansk, Izium, and Kharkiv districts.

Dr Fiona Hill, co-author of the UK's Strategic Defence Review, told the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy that US President Trump's comments about the Falkland Islands should be taken seriously and engaged with directly. She described Trump's stance as a combination of genuine belief and political posturing rooted in his alliance with Argentina's President Milei, and warned that the US sees European allies as having been 'infantilised' by reliance on American support. Hill advised initial private diplomatic engagement rather than public dismissal.

The Pentagon has expanded its GenAI.mil platform with agentic AI tools, including Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Mythos, compressing weeks of work into hours. Pentagon undersecretary Emil Michael reported that these tools have reduced two-week tasks to three hours, and the department is evaluating Anthropic's Mythos for vulnerability detection despite the company's national-security designation. However, officials and experts caution that these same tools empower cybercriminals with nation-state-like capabilities, enabling new attack taxonomies such as industrialized insider trading and industry-wide ransomware, posing novel cybersecurity challenges.

Russian forces conducted 797 strikes on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region over the past day, including 23 airstrikes, 569 drone attacks, and 204 artillery strikes. Two people were killed and 12 injured, with damage reported to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Governor Ivan Fedorov reported the strikes targeted numerous settlements across the region.

Background: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) previously urged the Tennessee legislature to redraw congressional districts to create an all-Republican delegation, targeting the Memphis-based seat held by Democrat Steve Cohen. Today, Republican lawmakers are poised to vote on a new map that would carve up the majority-Black Memphis district, likely eliminating the state's only Democratic-held House seat. This is part of a broader GOP strategy in Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina, leveraging a recent Supreme Court ruling weakening the Voting Rights Act, to redraw districts and gain seats in the upcoming November midterm elections. The new map could go into effect before the midterms.

Background: On May 5, Russian strikes killed six and wounded 14 in the Donetsk region, including aerial bomb attacks on Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka. On May 6, Russian forces killed three civilians (two in Druzhkivka, one in Shabelkivka) and wounded six others across Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, Lyman, and Sloviansk. The cumulative civilian toll in the region now stands at 4,056 dead and 9,400 wounded, excluding Mariupol and Volnovakha.

In an interview on France 2's "4 Vérités" program, Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, admitted that power under Emmanuel Macron has been too vertical and that the Assembly was not sufficiently listened to. She acknowledged collective failures in democratic methods, including the absence of referendums and consultations, and expressed disagreement with the current line of the Renaissance party led by Gabriel Attal. Braun-Pivet called for a more collective approach to decision-making and criticized the party's focus on personalities rather than substance.

Elon Musk's SpaceX has leased the entire capacity of its Colossus 1 data center (over 300 megawatts, 220,000 Nvidia GPUs) to AI lab Anthropic, turning idle compute into revenue ahead of SpaceX's expected IPO. The deal also allows Musk to compete with OpenAI's Sam Altman, as Anthropic faces a severe compute deficit due to 80x revenue growth. The arrangement highlights shifting alliances in the AI race and Musk's need to avoid a write-down on unused chip capacity.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ambassador to the UK, delivered a speech at the Defence24 Days conference in Warsaw arguing that Ukraine's mobilization system must be fundamentally reformed to reflect the technological transformation of warfare, particularly the dominance of unmanned and robotic systems. He proposed three types of 'intelligent mobilization' to address demographic crisis, war fatigue, and the need for a new doctrine, warning that old methods lead to unsustainable losses. Zaluzhnyi emphasized that modern warfare is a war of drones, that artillery is no longer the god of war, and that tanks are becoming obsolete, requiring a completely new doctrine and mobilization system.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly ruled out calling a confidence vote or forming a minority government, a move that highlights his precarious political position. The article explains that under the Basic Law, a chancellor can only be removed by resignation or a constructive vote of no confidence, making scenarios of replacing Merz with figures like Jens Spahn or Markus Söder unrealistic.

Ted Turner, the media mogul who revolutionized television news by launching CNN in 1980, has died at 87. Turner's creation of the first 24-hour news channel transformed global media. He also built a vast media empire including TBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network, and became a major philanthropist. Tributes from President Trump and CNN leaders highlight his impact.

Ireland's lower house of parliament, Dáil Éireann, ratified the Council of Europe convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, becoming the fifth country to do so after Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, and Ukraine. The commission is part of a three-part mechanism to secure reparations for damage from Russia's invasion, including the Register of Damage for Ukraine (operational since April 2024), the Claims Commission, and a future compensation fund. The convention requires 25 ratifications and sufficient funding to begin operations.

Amine Kessaci, a prominent anti-drug activist and deputy mayor of Marseille, called on the French state to provide all necessary means to end the war on narcotrafficking. Speaking as a bill to protect residents and whistleblowers threatened by traffickers is debated in the Senate, Kessaci argued current laws are insufficient and urged the government to include anti-trafficking measures in its upcoming security law. He highlighted the evolution of drug trafficking into organized mafia-style crime and the need for financial resources to protect and relocate threatened individuals.

Novo Nordisk launched an oral GLP-1 obesity drug in the US on January 5, 2025, achieving 2 million prescriptions by early May—the highest volume launch for any GLP-1 product in the country. The pill offers a less burdensome alternative to injections and is attracting new patients, with most users new to GLP-1 therapy, indicating market expansion. The launch follows a period of corporate restructuring at Novo Nordisk, including a CEO change and layoffs, after losing market share to rival Eli Lilly. The oral drug gives the Danish company a chance to regain market share from Eli Lilly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 6 that officials are preparing legislation to legalize and regulate private military companies (PMCs). The initiative aims to create business opportunities for veterans and allow Ukraine to export its wartime security expertise. The law is expected to be adopted this year, involving the Interior Ministry, intelligence agencies, and the President's Office. Previous attempts include draft law No. 11214 from 2024 and a defense ministry proposal for 'international defense companies.'

UK-based sports fashion retailer JD Sports warned that profits will fall this year due to a muted market and concerns about the Middle East conflict. The company stated that while there has been no material business impact to date, the Iran war could push up costs and prices, including energy and fuel costs, and potentially impact consumer demand. JD reported flat sales in the latest quarter and expects no sales growth this year.

Turkish defense firm HAVELSAN introduced ADVENT-AI, an artificial intelligence-supported decision layer for its ADVENT combat management system, at SAHA EXPO 2026 in Istanbul. The AI module analyzes real-time operational data to detect patterns, filter critical information, and support faster decision-making for naval operators. It is designed to be retrofittable to existing ADVENT-equipped platforms, enhancing capabilities for the Turkish Navy and export customers.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the Taiwan question is central to China's core interests and the foundation of US-China relations, just before President Trump's scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14-15. The remarks come amid continued US arms sales to Taiwan, including a record $11 billion package last year and the recent delivery of 108 tanks. The statement underscores ongoing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan policy.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces lost 890 troops, two air defense systems, 61 artillery systems, and 233 vehicles in the past 24 hours. Cumulative Russian losses since February 2022 are estimated at over 1.33 million personnel. The update reflects ongoing heavy combat with 120 engagements on the front line.

Ukraine's 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment Raid struck three Russian air defense systems—two Pantsir-S1 and one Tunguska—in the first six days of May 2026 using Ukrainian-made mid-strike kamikaze attack drones, all at significant distance from the front line. The regiment reported the strikes on Facebook and released video footage. This operation is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to degrade Russian air defenses.

Europe is falling behind the US and China in artificial intelligence development due to insufficient data centre capacity, fragmented investment, and regulatory burdens. EU tech CEOs call for deregulation and strategic consolidation, while a new infrastructure company, Krios Infrastructure, launches to address power constraints for AI data centres in Europe.

A drone crashed several kilometers from two Russian military-industrial complex facilities in Rzhev, Tver Oblast: Elektromekhanika JSC (producing equipment for aviation and missile technology) and the 55th Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate. Tver Oblast Governor reported no casualties but damage to houses and evacuation of 350 people. Separately, Moscow Mayor claimed over 20 drones were downed approaching Moscow, and Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting over 300 drones nationwide.

The number of 'Aufstocker' (people receiving state top-up benefits despite working) in Germany fell from 1.24 million in 2015 to 809,815 in 2025, a drop of over a third since the minimum wage was introduced. However, total state spending on these benefits only decreased slightly from €7.2 billion to €6.97 billion, as average monthly support per recipient rose from €483 to €717 due to higher rent and heating costs. Left Party MP Ince criticizes the situation as state subsidization of exploitation and calls for a higher minimum wage and more collective bargaining.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating one serving and four former Metropolitan Police officers for potential misconduct over their handling of sexual abuse allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed. The investigation covers reports from four victims and follows revelations that the Met was approached by 21 women before Al Fayed's death in 2023, yet he was never charged. This development highlights ongoing scrutiny of police handling of sexual abuse cases involving high-profile figures.

Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs signed an $83.75 million contract with Turkish shipyard Desan for a second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (coast guard). The 99-meter vessel, expected by end of 2027, will feature improved systems including Aselsan unmanned surface vehicles. Additionally, a joint venture shipyard broke ground in Malacca, to be completed within two years.

During Exercise Balikatan 2026, the US Army offloaded and fired a HIMARS launcher on Balabac Island in the southwestern Philippines, marking the first live-fire on that island. The deployment demonstrates US efforts to extend long-range strike capabilities toward the South China Sea and strengthen deterrence against China, utilizing Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement access sites. This is part of a broader pattern of positioning American missile systems across multiple Philippine locations, including the Batanes Islands near Taiwan, and represents the most explicit demonstration of US long-range strike and sea denial capabilities in the Western Pacific to date.

Russian Gerbera UAVs are dropping FPV drones carrying warheads more than 30 km from the border inside Ukrainian territory, as reported by an adviser to Ukraine's defense minister. The tactic was first observed in February. Civilians are warned not to touch unknown objects.

The US Board of Immigration Appeals has reinstated deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and former Columbia University student who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. The board overturned a February ruling by immigration judge Nina Froes, who had blocked deportation after finding the government's evidence inadmissible. Mahdawi was arrested in April 2025 during a citizenship interview and detained for two weeks without charge. His legal team accuses the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration law to silence dissent. The case is part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism, including the firing of judges who ruled against deportation.

On 7 May, two drones entered Latvian airspace from Russia and crashed in the eastern Latgale region. One drone struck an empty oil storage tank at the Rēzekne branch of East-West Transit, causing a smouldering cladding fire that was quickly extinguished. The second drone's location remains unknown. Latvia's National Armed Forces issued airspace alerts for Ludza, Balvi, and Rēzekne municipalities, and NATO air-policing fighters were scrambled from Šiauliai, Lithuania. Defence Minister Andris Sprūds suggested the drones may have been Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia, though this is unconfirmed. The incident is being investigated as a criminal case under section 10 of the Criminal Code. Schools in Rēzekne and Ludza districts switched to remote learning. The event coincides with a massive Russian-reported Ukrainian drone attack involving 347 UAVs across multiple regions.

The Trump administration released its counterterrorism strategy, listing 'violent left-wing extremists,' 'narcoterrorists,' and 'Islamist terrorists' as top threats, a shift from the Biden administration's focus on right-wing extremism. Senior director Sebastian Gorka emphasized targeting groups like antifa and those promoting 'extremist transgender ideology,' using all constitutional tools to map and neutralize them domestically and internationally. The strategy also accuses Europe of being an 'incubator' for terrorism fueled by mass migration, warns that European policies guarantee more terrorism, and calls for Europe to act, while noting European nations remain key partners. The strategy reflects ongoing US pressure on allies and a focus on domestic political opponents.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian officials, lawmakers, military and law enforcement representatives, civil society, and businesses are drafting a comprehensive law to regulate civilian firearm ownership. The move follows a series of shootings, including a deadly attack in Kyiv that killed seven people. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko supports the legislation, while some officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, caution against easing restrictions. The bill aims to balance self-defense rights with public safety and would establish Ukraine's first comprehensive legal framework for civilian firearms.

French Minister of Public Accounts David Amiel announced a joint inspection with the Interior Ministry into the tax deductibility of donations to associations of general interest, after reports that the far-right group Némésis had been exploiting the system for financing. The move follows a revelation by Libération that the group had been using tax-deductible donations to fund its activities.

South Korea expressed relief after US President Donald Trump suspended the 'Project Liberty' mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, easing pressure on Seoul to participate. The decision follows a mysterious explosion on a South Korean cargo ship that Trump blamed on Iran, and South Korea had been reluctant to join due to focus on China and North Korea threats.

A Russian attack on Dnipro caused a fire and shattered windows at a food processing plant, damaging a car. No casualties were reported. The incident underscores continued Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukrainian cities.

Over 30 Turkish companies participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland (May 3-6, 2026) to explore US investment opportunities across sectors including renewable energy, robotics, healthcare technology, and dental services. Companies like CW Enerji, DOF Robotics, and RealWorks discussed plans to expand their US footprint, while US state representatives highlighted investment incentives. The summit underscores growing Turkish business interest in the US market.

Background: Since May 2, Russian drone attacks have targeted civilian and energy infrastructure across Ukraine, causing casualties and power outages. On May 5, new drone strikes on energy infrastructure caused partial power outages in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kharkiv oblasts. On May 7, Russian shelling caused new power outages in Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. Ukrenergo reported emergency repairs underway where safety permits. Electricity consumption is 1.9% higher than the previous day due to hot weather, and the operator urged consumers to shift usage to daytime hours (10:00-17:00) and limit high-power appliances from 18:00-22:00. No scheduled rolling blackouts are forecast for May 7.

Russia's strategy of undermining Western-led international institutions while relying on its UN Security Council veto is being undercut by Trump's aggressive dismantling of the same system. Trump has withdrawn from dozens of UN agencies, established a rival Board of Peace where Russia lacks veto power, and used military force against Russian partners Iran and Venezuela, leaving Russia looking like a second-tier power unable to protect allies or maintain influence in multilateral forums.

A 2,400-hectare forest fire in northern Chernihiv region, ignited by Russian military activity, is burning in areas potentially contaminated with explosives. Firefighting is hampered by security threats, including enemy drones, and efforts are focused on containing the fire within the border zone to prevent spread to settlements.

The Paris prosecutor argued that Cognacq-Jay hospital did not commit a criminal offense by refusing deep continuous sedation to a dying patient, a practice allowed under the Claeys-Leonetti law. The case, brought by the patient's son Grégoire Gentil, coincides with the return of France's end-of-life bill to the Senate for debate.

An analysis argues that the shift in US foreign policy from alliance-based coordination to transactional deal-making was forged during the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly under Trump. It details how the US sidelined the Afghan government, negotiated directly with the Taliban, and bypassed allies, a pattern that continued into the Biden era and now shapes US-Iran policy. The article draws on interviews and a new book to argue that this approach has undermined American hegemony and turned the US into a 'rogue state' with global consequences. The US-Iran war escalated after a US-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has threatened allies like Spain over their lack of support.

Background: Russian shelling in the Krasnopillia community of Sumy region previously killed one civilian and injured 18 others. On 7 May, a 52-year-old woman was killed by a Russian shell explosion while herding cows in the same area, and livestock was also affected. Local authorities reiterated calls for residents to evacuate the dangerous border area.

Amazon has become the first retailer in the UK to launch a drone delivery service, starting with a limited rollout in Darlington, County Durham. Packages under 2.2 kg are delivered within a 7.5-mile radius of its fulfilment centre in as little as two hours, using autonomous MK30 drones with GPS and obstacle sensors. The service operates up to ten flights per hour, with a maximum of 100 deliveries per day on weekdays. The trial, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, runs until the end of the year and is part of Amazon's broader push for ultra-fast delivery. Darlington is the only location outside the US where Amazon operates drone deliveries.

Russian forces conducted 41 strikes, primarily with FPV drones, on border areas of Ukraine's Chernihiv region over the past 24 hours. The attacks destroyed a grocery store in the Semenivka community, damaged a communications facility in the Koriukivka district, and hit residential buildings and vehicles in multiple villages. Three people were injured. The strikes targeted the Novhorod-Siverskyi, Koriukivka, and Kulykivka districts.

Russian forces launched nearly 30 artillery and drone attacks across five districts of Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, injuring four civilians. Damage was reported to apartment buildings, garages, vehicles, a supermarket, a gas station, and a church in Dnipro, Nikopol, Kamianske, Synelnykove, and Pavlohrad districts.

The United States has accused Hezbollah of attempting to sabotage diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel through attacks and threats. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that Washington is working to create conditions for good faith conversations between the two nations. The US continues to facilitate good faith negotiations between the two countries.

On 7 May, Russian drone attacks on Kherson, Komyshany, and Zelenivka injured three civilians: a 59-year-old man with shrapnel wounds to the chest and concussion, a 73-year-old man near a cemetery, and another 59-year-old man with blast injury and shock. A suburban bus was damaged by shrapnel, leading to the suspension of bus route No. 3 due to high drone activity; no passengers were injured. The attacks underscore continued Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure in southern Ukraine.

An analysis by the Atlantic Council argues that data centers have evolved into strategic geopolitical assets due to their massive and growing energy demands, currently 400–600 TWh globally and projected to reach 800–1,000 TWh by the early 2030s. The shift from user proximity to energy access is driving investment toward energy-rich regions such as Northern Europe, Canada, and potentially Turkey. The piece outlines the hybrid energy model required (renewables, gas, nuclear) and warns that grid constraints, climate conditions, and supply chain disruptions are creating new vulnerabilities. Turkey's opportunity to become a regional data center and energy platform depends on strengthening grid infrastructure, regulatory predictability, and simplified permitting.

A Russian drone strike on Dnipro overnight injured a 21-year-old pregnant woman and a 45-year-old man. A fire broke out in a five-story apartment building, and several cars were damaged. Both victims received medical care at the scene.

A French court ruled that former president Nicolas Sarkozy, 71, will not serve a second sentence under electronic ankle monitoring for illegal overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign (the Bygmalion case), citing his advanced age. Sarkozy had already served a prior ankle-tag sentence in a separate corruption case (Bismuth). The decision highlights ongoing legal proceedings against the former head of state.

Google DeepMind has invested millions in Fenris Creations (formerly CCP Games), the developer of EVE Online, to use the game as a testbed for AI research in long-term planning, memory, and learning. The studio also announced its independence after being bought back from South Korean publisher Pearl Abyss for $120 million.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Congress in Paris expelled the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) for collaborating with the Russian state and operating branches in occupied Ukrainian territories. The decision, based on an Appeals Commission recommendation, finalizes a process that began after Russia's full-scale invasion. The RUJ did not attend the Congress or submit a proper appeal. The expulsion is seen as upholding IFJ standards on professional ethics and freedom of speech.

The German Bundestag is debating amendments to the Disability Equality Act aimed at improving accessibility. The government proposes requiring both public entities and private providers to remove barriers, but only if it does not impose disproportionate burdens. Critics, including disability advocates and the government's own commissioner, argue the provisions are too vague and voluntary, potentially leaving many barriers intact. The deadline for federal buildings to become accessible has been extended from 2035 to 2045.

Clive Johnston, a 78-year-old retired pastor, was found guilty of breaching Northern Ireland's abortion buffer zone law by preaching biblical verses near Causeway Hospital in July 2024. He was fined £450. The court determined he deliberately entered the safe access zone to test the legislation and influence protected persons. The case underscores ongoing legal and social tensions around abortion access in Northern Ireland.

The Trump administration, after dismantling USAID and cutting humanitarian aid, is pressuring African countries to accept deportees in exchange for access to raw materials and data. Several African states are pushing back against these demands, signaling a potential strengthening of African agency in international relations.

The European Association of Ukrainian Women is hosting the third 'Power. Voice. Legacy' forum at the European Parliament on 11 May, as the EU prepares to phase out temporary protection for 4.4 million Ukrainian refugees by 2027. The forum covers gender policy, cultural diplomacy, veterans' reintegration, and rule of law, aiming to release a public statement. Only 43% of refugees say the end of the war would motivate return, according to a 2025 LSE report.

Ukraine's Security Service (SSU) detained a Russian agent in Kyiv who recruited drug addicts to set fire to military vehicles. The agent, a deserter from the Kharkiv region, coordinated arsons for the FSB. Two perpetrators were caught in March. The suspect faces up to 8 years in prison.

Private utility companies, including DTE Energy and Duke Energy, are funding ostensibly grassroots front groups to oppose community efforts to take over electric grids (municipalization) in cities like Ann Arbor, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. These groups spread misleading claims about costs and reliability to protect utility profits, which are threatened by public power movements that typically offer lower rates and better reliability. The practice involves dark money, industry consultants, and tactics like hiring canvassers from plasma centers.

A Russian FPV drone struck a vehicle carrying a DTEK electrician crew heading to a frontline town for restoration work in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The crew escaped without injury, but the vehicle was severely damaged. DTEK reports this as the 264th Russian attack on power grid facilities in the region, highlighting ongoing targeting of energy infrastructure.

Nottinghamshire Police have initiated Operation View, a crackdown on youth anti-social behaviour in Nottingham city centre, targeting children as young as 10. The operation uses dispersal orders, a watchlist of 24 children, and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) against parents who do not control their children, with potential consequences including fines and eviction. The initiative responds to shoplifting, drug and weapon possession, and trespassing in abandoned buildings, with police reporting that some children view arrest as a 'badge of honour'. Recently, police arrested a 12-year-old boy already on bail and banned from the city centre.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed the SelectUSA Investment Summit, encouraging foreign investment in the US despite the administration's 'America First' policies and ongoing tariff disputes. He announced a visa assistance deal with the State Department to facilitate foreign investor entry. The summit featured state-level delegations, including Oklahoma's MOU with Hitachi on AI and infrastructure, and Iowa's push for Middle East defense partnerships. Lockheed Martin also announced a leadership change with Skunk Works head Orlando Sanchez Jr. becoming aeronautics president.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces released footage of a raid by the 6th Ranger Regiment on a building occupied by Russian troops. Using grenade launchers, assault rifles, and drone support, they eliminated two Russian servicemen and exfiltrated successfully. The operation highlights ongoing Ukrainian tactical assaults on Russian positions.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has demanded that the United States issue visas for its national football team to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the host country's obligations under international sports regulations. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that visa issuance should not be affected by political tensions and called on FIFA to uphold its credibility. Iran's Interests Section in Washington is prepared to assist. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The demand comes amid ongoing regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February and a subsequent fragile ceasefire.

Alyona Shevtsova, a Ukrainian fintech executive sanctioned by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and linked to a $110 million money-laundering scheme, appeared as a speaker and her company Sends as a platinum sponsor at PAY360, a major UK compliance event in London. The case highlights gaps between formal regulatory standards and real-world enforcement of sanctions and anti-money laundering rules.

Germany's ruling coalition is divided over automatic pay rises for Bundestag members, with the SPD opposing the increase due to economic conditions while the CDU supports it. Separately, the European Commission approved €5 billion in German state aid for industrial decarbonization. The far-right AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state elections.

Ukraine's parliament is considering a bill to strictly regulate commercial surrogacy and effectively ban foreign intended parents, who make up 95% of clients. The move follows criticism of the industry for exploiting poor, vulnerable women, particularly amid the war's economic devastation. Cases of abandoned children, including disabled infants, have been reported. Supporters argue Ukrainian women should not bear children for foreigners during a wartime birthrate crisis, while opponents say the ban would deprive women of vital income.

On 7 May, a Russian drone dropped fake banknotes and propaganda leaflets over the city of Sumy, Ukraine. The drone was shot down, and police confirmed the incident. This follows similar leaflet drops in April in Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, where leaflets contained malicious QR codes. The event highlights ongoing Russian information warfare tactics targeting Ukrainian civilians.