Prince Harry visited Ukraine, appealing directly to Vladimir Putin to end the conflict. During a heartfelt address at the Kyiv Security Conference, he urged world leaders to support the courageous Ukrainian people. For further details on his visit, click here.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected the notion of partial EU membership during discussions at an informal summit in Cyprus, asserting that Ukraine deserves full membership. Following the unblocking of a €90 billion loan and new sanctions against Russia, focus shifts to Hungary’s ongoing veto of Ukraine’s EU accession.

The week’s mood has turned on price, pressure and the thin stretch of water the world keeps pretending it can…

UK MORNING BRIEFING

A woman appeared in court this morning over the death of her teenage cousin, Morgan Dorsett, after a dog attack in Bristol last year.
Kelcie Reed faces charges related to a dangerously out-of-control dog and will return to court on May 27.

Donald Trump has ordered a ‘shoot to kill’ directive against Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz. He instructed the US Navy to target vessels laying mines, while American minesweepers are currently clearing the waterway. More updates will follow.

The alleged perpetrator, whose identity remains confidential under German privacy laws, has been detained by police following a reported incident. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the case and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

The London Underground drivers’ strike has entered its third day this morning, causing significant disruption across the capital. Commuters are adapting, with thousands cycling as alternative transport during ongoing industrial action.

Italian police arrested 35 members of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra mafia in Niscemi on April 22. This significant operation targeted individuals involved in drug trafficking and an illegal waste scheme. Authorities continue to investigate further developments in the case.

Scandinavian Airlines has cancelled around 1,000 flights, while Lufthansa has eliminated 20,000 routes amid soaring jet fuel prices, attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Commission contends these cancellations stem from airline profitability issues, not fuel shortages.

EU DEVELOPMENTS

This morning, Europe addresses economic strategies amid rising geopolitical tensions