TOP NEWS

Russian invasion  Sanctions
Russia's profit from the eased sanctions: 1.4 billion a day

The US will not extend the eased sanctions against Russia that were introduced on March 12 to free up more oil on the market and curb rising energy prices as a result of the war with Iran.

When the sanctions were eased, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that the measure would not bring any major economic benefits to Russia. But that does not appear to be the case, reports the Kyiv Independent.

The eased sanctions applied to oil that was already at sea or that was loaded before midnight on March 12. According to data from the analysis company Kpler, 145 million barrels of Russian oil were at sea when the US eased the sanctions.

Democrats in the US Senate have shared information with the newspaper indicating that Russia may have earned an additional $150 million per day, equivalent to about 1.4 billion kronor, and more than $4 billion, equivalent to about 36 billion kronor, before the exemption expired.  

The conflict in the South China Sea
China places barrier and ships in disputed area

China has moved fishing vessels, coast guard vessels and floating barriers to the disputed atoll of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, according to satellite images seen by Reuters.

The atoll is one of the most disputed in the region, and China, Taiwan and the Philippines all claim the area. In total, it involves four fishing boats, a coast guard vessel and a floating barrier.

This comes at the same time as Philippine fishing vessels and coast guard vessels have been sent to the atoll to support the country's fishermen, who are often driven away by Chinese patrols.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, and in recent years the Philippine and Chinese coast guards have been involved in several incidents. Chinese ships have boarded Philippine boats, blocked them and used water cannons.  

The situation in North Korea
IAEA: North Korea's ability to manufacture nuclear weapons is increasing

North Korea has increased its ability to manufacture nuclear weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said according to AFP.

According to IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, among other things, activity at the Yongbyon reactor has increased sharply.

According to the Arms Control Association, North Korea currently has somewhere between 30 and 50 nuclear weapons: the world's smallest arsenal of its kind.

Previously, the IAEA assessed that the country produced enough enriched radioactive material to manufacture six new nuclear weapons per year. The new assessment is twelve.

The future of NATO
Sweden joins in preparing a “European NATO” – in case the US withdraws

Several European NATO members, including Sweden, are preparing a “European NATO” through unofficial talks, which would come into effect if the US withdraws from the military alliance. The Wall Street Journal reports.

This includes, among other things, getting more Europeans into leading positions in cooperation and reducing dependence on American weapons and other equipment.

According to the WSJ, Germany, which previously opposed the French line that Europe needs to stand on its own two feet, has recently changed course, thus opening up broader discussions about NATO’s European future.

– We are preparing and having informal talks with a group of like-minded allies, and will help fill the void within NATO when needed, says Sweden's Ambassador to Germany Veronika Wand-Danielsson to the newspaper.

Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO.

"NATO was not there for us, and will not be there for us in the future," he wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning, Swedish time.


Political situation in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea cracks down on protests in the capital

Papua New Guinea cracks down on protests by disgruntled soldiers who have blocked roads in the capital Port Moresby, reports AFP.

Police Chief David Manning warns that anyone who participates in continued protests will be arrested. The military is also introducing stricter rules, including for who is allowed to come and go to barracks, writes The National.

The protests are about Defense Minister Billy Joseph being seen to have favored recruits from his home district. He has taken a break from the role while an ongoing investigation is ongoing.