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- World leaders arrive in Yerevan for European Political Community summit
- Cruise ship MV Hondius reports Hantavirus outbreak, leading to two deaths
- Trump withdraws 5,000 troops from Germany amid tensions with Merz
- Russian deputy minister flees to US amid high-level corruption investigation
- France’s interior minister visits free party as government tightens laws
- King Makes Star Wars Joke During Bermuda Trip Before May the Fourth
- Spain launches manhunt after woman fatally stabbed in Barcelona attack
- Russia launches ballistic missile strike on Mykolaiv, injuring five
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World leaders arrive in Yerevan for European Political Community summit
11:00 pm
World leaders arrive in Yerevan for European Political Community summit
Political Meeting
World leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrive in Yerevan for the 8th European Political Community meeting.
World leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrive in Yerevan for the 8th European Political Community meeting.
Geopolitical importance
Nearly 50 leaders convening emphasises a significant moment for strategic dialogue amidst ongoing tensions, marking a proactive engagement in shaping Europe’s future cooperation and governance.
Nearly 50 leaders convening emphasises a significant moment for strategic dialogue amidst ongoing tensions, marking a proactive engagement in shaping Europe’s future cooperation and governance.
Official Statement
“In reality it’s a process where Armenia tries to establish relationships with the European Union,” said political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, highlighting the country’s strategic ambitions.
“In reality it’s a process where Armenia tries to establish relationships with the European Union,” said political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, highlighting the country’s strategic ambitions.
Key developments
World leaders will convene in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday for the 8th European Political Community meeting, encompassing nearly 50 countries, including all 27 EU members, to address key political issues.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joins as a guest, marking the first participation from a non-European country, emphasising collaboration on global governance and shared values alongside European leaders.
The summit follows Armenia’s historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan, as Yerevan seeks to deepen ties with Europe amid its strategic shift away from Russia under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
World leaders arrive in Armenia for eighth EPC summit
World leaders began to arrive in Yerevan, Armenia on Sunday ahead of the 8th European Political Community meeting under the motto ‘Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe’.
At a time of profound geopolitical transformation, leaders from nearly 50 countries, including all 27 members of the European Union, will meet on Monday to discuss important politics face-to-face, including the US-Iran tensions.
British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk were amongst those arriving on Sunday afternoon.
The summit will be co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to have sideline meeting with several countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also be joining as a guest – the first time a non-European country has participated in the meeting.
“Europe and Canada are more than just like-minded partners — together we are building a global alliance to defend peace, shared prosperity and multilateralism,” said Costa.
Identifying a “rupture” in the US-led system of global governance, Carney said at the glitzy World Economic Forum in Switzerland that middle powers needed to chart a new path and rally together to defend key international values.
With Europe and Canada’s relationship shifting with the United States under Trump, they have increasingly moved closer to each other in many areas.
The European Political Community (EPC) is an intergovernmental forum for political and strategic discussions about the future of Europe established in 2022 after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine .
Armenia eyes closer European ties
Dozens of European leaders are also expected to attend the first-ever EU-Armenia summit, as the former Soviet nation hopes will bring it closer into the European fold as Yerevan seeks to gradually distance itself from Russia.
EPC takes place following the historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as both countries embarked on a pro-European course.
For Armenia, the EU summit, the first of its kind, is about telling the European Union “we are here and we are ready”, said Olesya Vartanyan, an analyst on security issues in the South Caucasus.
Under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has formally pursued a strategy of what he calls “diversification”, in which the landlocked country pursues ties with both Russia and the West.
“In reality it’s a process where Armenia tries to establish relationships with the European Union,” said political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan.
The country of three million people between Europe and Asia signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the European Union in 2017, deepening its cooperation in trade and other areas.
Last year, the country adopted a law formally declaring its intention to apply for EU membership.
When the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Armenia in March, she declared that “Armenia and the EU have never been closer”.
Cruise ship MV Hondius reports Hantavirus outbreak, leading to two deaths
9:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Cruise ship MV Hondius reports Hantavirus outbreak, leading to two deaths
An outbreak of Hantavirus has been confirmed aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. Two people died on board the ship, with a 69-year-old British national currently in intensive care in Johannesburg.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) described the outbreak on the MV Hondius as a ‘public health event’ and is coordinating a medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers. According to South African spokesperson Foster Mohale, a 70-year-old patient tested positive for hantavirus and is currently receiving treatment in Johannesburg.
The World Health Organisation is coordinating a medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers from the MV Hondius, which is currently stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. The cruise ship, operated by Dutch-based tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, had departed Ushuaia in Argentina on March 20 and was expected to reach Cape Verde on May 4.
Three dead and Brit fighting for life after virus outbreak on cruise ship | News World
One case of Hantavirus has been confirmed (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Three people have died and a British national is in intensive care after a suspected virus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
One case of Hantavirus has been confirmed and five more suspected cases are under investigation, the World Health Organisation told the BBC.
The deaths have been reported aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
South African authorities reported that a 70-year-old passenger was the first person to show symptoms.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses can infect and cause serious disease in people worldwide.
People get hantavirus from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva, according to the CDC.
In rare cases Hantavirus can spread between people.
The cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026 (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
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They died on board and his body is now on the British island of Saint Helena.
His 69-year-old wife also fell ill on baord and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in hospital in Johannesburg.
A 69-year-old Briton is also being treated in intensive care in hospital in Johannesburg.
The WHO described the outbreak as a ‘public health event’ and said they are coordinating a medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.
MV Hondius is run by Dutch-based tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.
The ship departed Ushuaia in Argentina on March 20 and was due to arrive in Cape Verde on May 4.
Oceanwide Expeditions has been contacted for comment.
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Trump withdraws 5,000 troops from Germany amid tensions with Merz
8:00 pm
Trump withdraws 5,000 troops from Germany amid tensions with Merz
Troop Withdrawal
Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany without prior warning to allies.
Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany without prior warning to allies.
Strategic Withdrawal
Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany disrupts longstanding military alliances, potentially impacting NATO’s operational effectiveness and regional security stability.
Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany disrupts longstanding military alliances, potentially impacting NATO’s operational effectiveness and regional security stability.
Allied Concerns
“The decision was unexpected and has raised significant concerns among our European allies,” noted a senior official on the lack of prior consultation.
“The decision was unexpected and has raised significant concerns among our European allies,” noted a senior official on the lack of prior consultation.
Key developments
Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany without prior warning to allies. This decision intensifies tensions amid ongoing disputes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The withdrawal follows criticism from Merz regarding the United States’ military actions in Iran and its broader strategic approach. This discord highlights the strained US-German relations under current leadership.
'No strategy' behind Trump's withdrawal of NATO troops from Germany, sources say
Trump did not warn allies prior to his abrupt announcement of the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany. The sudden move came amid an ongoing feud with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, sparked by his criticism of the US’ war in Iran, and Washington’s strategy.
Russian deputy minister flees to US amid high-level corruption investigation
6:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Russian deputy minister flees to US amid high-level corruption investigation
Denis Butsaev, the former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, was sacked on April 22 and reportedly fled to the United States the same day. His escape marks the first known instance of a high-ranking Kremlin member fleeing Russia amid ongoing investigations into top-level corruption.
Denis Butsaev, the former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, reportedly fled to the United States after being dismissed from his position on April 22, 2026, amidst a widespread investigation into corruption within Vladimir Putin’s government. Ksenia Maximova, a former model and UK-based activist, is actively aiding Russians in fleeing the country to avoid conscription as the war in Ukraine continues.
Denis Butsaev fled to the United States after being sacked from his position on April 22, 2026, following his escape to Belarus and Georgia. Meanwhile, Ksenia Maximova is actively helping Russians flee the country to avoid conscription amid ongoing military recruitment efforts by the Russian government.
Russian minister ‘dodges Putin’s security service and flees to US’ after sacking | News World
Denis Butsaev was sacked from his position in late April (Picture: Getty)
A high-ranking politician in Russia has fled the country, marking the first escape of one of Vladimir Putin’s cabinet ministers.
Denis Butsaev has reportedly fled to the United States after dodging Vladimir Putin’s high-profile security service.
The 49-year-old was fired from his post as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources on April 22, and is said to have fled the same day.
He first went to Belarus, before going to Georgia and then flying to America. It’s unclear if he’s seeking political refuge.
He also managed to escape during a massive investigation into top-level corruption within Putin’s Kremlin.
It’s the first known case of a high-profile Kremlin member fleeing (Picture: Reuters)
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Other Russians have made the move to flee the country as Putin’s war in Ukraine rages on.
Back in Russia, university students are being taken from classes and dormitories, while raids are carried out on vegetable warehouses, mosques and on the street, where any young men eligible for military service are dragged to enlistment offices.
Compulsory military service has long been a sensitive issue in Russia, where many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers.
Putin also banned men from leaving Russia from the day they are summoned to a conscription office and increased the fines for failure to appear at the enlistment office.
One former model is working out of London to help Russians flee the country, many of whom are avoiding going to the frontlines.
Ksenia Maximova is one of the most high-profile figures among UK-based activists who are bitterly opposed to the president’s brutal invasion.
The former Gucci Rush perfume model, who was born in Russia’s Ural Mountains, told of the desperation of those trying to escape over the borders following his attempt to shore up numbers at a time when Moscow’s forces are being humiliated on the battlefield.
Mrs Maximova, who has dual British and Russian nationality, told WTX of her contempt for ‘completely warped’ Mr Putin as she rallies support behind a newly-formed opposition group.
‘We are just trying to get as many people out as we can,’ she said.
Mrs Maximova, who grew up in Moscow before moving to the UK, was last in Russia four years ago and fears arrest if she returns due to her visibility in the overseas anti-Putin movement.
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France’s interior minister visits free party as government tightens laws
5:00 pm
France’s interior minister visits free party as government tightens laws
Free party event
A huge free party is underway at a French army firing range, attracting between 17,000 and 40,000 attendees since Friday.
A huge free party is underway at a French army firing range, attracting between 17,000 and 40,000 attendees since Friday.
Scale of Gathering
Between 17,000 and 40,000 people from across Europe attended the event, underscoring the significant reach and impact of the free party.
Between 17,000 and 40,000 people from across Europe attended the event, underscoring the significant reach and impact of the free party.
Government Response
Laurent Nuñez stated, “These demands will only strengthen the government’s determination to crack down more harshly on this kind of wild event, which our fellow citizens do not understand.”
Laurent Nuñez stated, “These demands will only strengthen the government’s determination to crack down more harshly on this kind of wild event, which our fellow citizens do not understand.”
Key developments
Laurent Nuñez, France’s Interior Minister, confirmed that a large free party, attracting 17,000 to 40,000 participants, is ongoing at a military firing range, so far without serious incidents.
The government remains firm against the event, with Nuñez stating that the incident strengthens their resolve to enforce harsher penalties for undeclared free parties, including potential criminal charges.
Security forces have mobilised over 600 gendarmes around the site following initial surprise, while emergency services reported 33 people treated, with 12 hospitalised due to various issues, including drug use.
French interior minister vows tougher action against illegal raves
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, travelled near to his hometown this Sunday where a huge free party has been taking place since Friday on a French army firing range, so far without any major incident.
On site, the minister flew over the area, which has brought together between 17,000 and 40,000 people from all over Europe, in a national gendarmerie helicopter, and visited a medical post set up on the edge of the camp.
The choice of location is no accident: in a statement mimicking a prefectural order published on Saturday, the organisers point out that the minister comes from Bourges, the département’s capital. They say they want to occupy the training ground symbolically in order to “celebrate joy and mutual aid”, in an anti-militarist message protesting against the state’s repressive policy towards ravers.
The government’s response is unequivocal: no concessions. Laurent Nuñez told reporters that these demands will only “strengthen the government’s determination to crack down more harshly on this kind of wild event, which our fellow citizens do not understand”.
He condemned the “carelessness” of participants who “invade” this site “with no regard for the life that goes on there, or for the nuisance it causes”.
Laurent Nuñez also announced that the government will continue to push its “Ripost” bill, approved by the cabinet at the end of March, which increases penalties for undeclared free parties.
“From now on, organising a rave party will be a criminal offence punishable by two years in prison and a 30,000-euro fine”, he hammered home, adding that an offence of taking part in such events would also be created.
As the first revellers were leaving the site on Sunday afternoon, the minister warned that all those who “leave the teknival will be fined on two counts” – for trespassing on military land and for failing to comply with the prefect’s order.
The authorities, initially caught off guard, quickly deployed a major security operation. More than 600 gendarmes remain deployed around the teknival.
According to a provisional report released by the minister, 33 people have been treated by emergency services, 12 of whom were taken to hospital, “in part for drug use”.
From the outset, the security forces had warned of “pyrotechnic” risks linked to the possible presence of unexploded munitions on this firing range, which was still recently being used for tests of the Caesar artillery system.
The prefecture reported on Saturday that a first shell had been found near a local road on the edge of the site. A second piece of ordnance, discovered since, is currently “being dealt with”, Laurent Nuñez said.
King Makes Star Wars Joke During Bermuda Trip Before May the Fourth
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: King Makes Star Wars Joke During Bermuda Trip Before May the Fourth
SPACE INITIATIVE
King Charles visited Bermuda’s UK Space Agency to learn about Project Nova, aimed at tracking space debris through new telescopes planned for the island.
King Charles visited Bermuda’s UK Space Agency to learn about Project Nova, aimed at tracking space debris through new telescopes planned for the island.
SPACE INITIATIVE
Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, remarked that the royal visit marks a pivotal moment amid ongoing debates over the territory’s political future.
Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, remarked that the royal visit marks a pivotal moment amid ongoing debates over the territory’s political future.
SPACE DEBRIS INITIATIVE
Project Nova, focusing on tracking space debris, will commence with the installation of three telescopes on Bermuda’s north west coast later this year, as announced by the UK Space Agency.
Project Nova, focusing on tracking space debris, will commence with the installation of three telescopes on Bermuda’s north west coast later this year, as announced by the UK Space Agency.
What we know so far
The King declared “the force is with us” during a visit to a leading observatory in Bermuda this week, where he was briefed on Project Nova’s plans to combat space debris. The site, managed by the UK Space Agency, is set to open later this year.
This initiative aims to develop advanced telescopes capable of tracking old satellites and other space junk, with the first phase of the £40 million project focused on establishing three telescopes along Bermuda’s north-west coast. Charles’s Sustainable Markets Initiative has actively supported this project through its Astra Carta framework, which promotes sustainability in the global space industry.
The King’s visit also included an engagement with well-wishers as he opened a new Coastguard station at Great Bay. Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, noted the significance of the monarch’s first visit since 2009 and commented on the mixed sentiments regarding Bermuda’s status as a British Overseas Territory.
Before departing, the King participated in a group photo with Bermudian police and security personnel, marking a memorable engagement with the local community.
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King cracks Star Wars joke on trip to Bermuda ahead of May the Fourth | News UK
The King declared ‘the force is with us’ while visiting a leading observatory in Bermuda this week.
Charles was treated to a tour of the site, operated by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), before it opens later this year and heard about Project Nova’s ambitious plans to tackle harmful space junk.
The area on the island was identified for its unique position in the world, which will allow the agency and its partners to track old satellites, rocket stages, and other objects.
Before unveiling a plaque at the site to announce its launch, Charles spoke to the Astra Carta team working with UKSA and revealed he had completed a garden with the design based on the revolution of the planets.
‘I’ve just done a garden based on the planetary movements, because if you trace them, it’s amazing how they all form the most beautiful patterns,’ he said.
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‘It’s so interconnected, really, in all forms. So as they say, the force is with us.’
Earlier, the King went on an impromptu meet-and-greet with well-wishers when he opened a new Coastguard station at Great Bay on St David’s Island.
Some had waited hours in the sun and told him: ‘Thank you so much for coming’ and ‘It’s such a pleasure to have you.’
The first phase in the £40 million Project Nova is to establish three telescopes on the north west coast of Bermuda, about 620 miles off the US coast, that will be able to spot asteroids or rogue satellites heading towards Earth.
A decade ago, there were just a few hundred satellites in space, but today there are more than 12,000, with that number expected to pass 100,000 by 2030.
The new planned telescopes across British territories, including Bermuda, are powerful enough to see objects smaller than a Rubik’s Cube in low Earth orbit.
During a space debris demonstration, the King, pointing to the sky, asked: ‘So how much damage is going on up there?’
Charles’s Sustainable Markets Initiative has been heavily involved in the project through its Astra Carta, Latin for Charter of the Stars, environmental framework launched by Charles in 2020 to promote sustainability in the global space industry.
When Charles visited the new Great Bay Coast Guard station, he saw the operations room where staff can monitor CCTV images of the coastline and track vessels.
Speaking after the visit, Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, said that the first visit by a monarch since 2009 was ‘a very exciting time’.
He added that there was a ’50/50 split’ in Bermuda between those who think it should remain a British Overseas Territory and those who think it should be an independent nation.
The minister added: ‘But there’s no problem with a child leaving home at some point and standing on their own and taking care of themselves with the opportunity to reach out to the parent country if ever needed.’
Before waving goodbye to Bermuda from the top of the plane’s steps, Charles joined assembled Bermudan police motorbike outriders, security personnel and other officers for a large group photo.
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