UAE Leaves OPEC. Energy Minister: ‘Purely Political Move’

Today's headlines: Diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and Israel over a Russian grain ship from the occupied territories docked at the port of Haifa; China extends duty-free status to all African countries, previously limited to the 33 poorest nations; In Orissa, a man takes his sister’s skeleton to a bank to obtain funds from her bank account that had previously been denied.

GULF

The United Arab Emirates’ decision to withdraw from OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is “a purely political move” aimed at preparing the country for the future. In an interview with the local newspaper The National, Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei explained the decision by the world’s seventh-largest oil producer, announced yesterday after more than five decades of OPEC membership. Observers highlight the deepening rift with Saudi Arabia, which is set to exacerbate tensions in the Gulf region already under pressure due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

ISRAEL-UKRAINE

Amid growing diplomatic tensions, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy took to social media to point the finger at Israel over a Russian ship loaded with grain “stolen” from Ukraine that reportedly docked at the port of Haifa. Israel stated it had received no evidence to that effect, while Kyiv is preparing sanctions against those responsible. The dispute concerns wheat from occupied territories that Ukraine considers to have been illegally exported by Russia. An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz a few days ago had highlighted the opacity surrounding these wheat shipments.

SOUTH KOREA

A Seoul appeals court has increased the sentence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from five to seven years in prison for the crime of obstruction of justice. In the main trial for insurrection related to his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, Yoon has already received a life sentence in the first instance.

CHINA

Starting May 1, 2026, China will extend its zero-tariff policy to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. Until April 30, 2028, the measure will also apply to the 20 African countries not classified as least developed. For products subject to tariff quotas, only the rates within the established quota will be eliminated. The 33 least developed African countries have already benefited from zero tariffs on all tariff lines since 2024. The extension aims to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Africa and China.

INDIA

A 52-year-old tribal man carried his sister’s skeleton to a bank in Keonjhar district, in the Indian state of Odisha, to withdraw money deposited in her name, sparking outrage and raising questions about rural banking practices. The incident occurred at the Mallipashi branch of the Odisha Gramya Bank, in a predominantly tribal area. The man, Jeetu Munda, was attempting to withdraw approximately 19,300 rupees from his deceased sister’s account. Unable to prove her death, he exhumed her remains and brought them to the bank. After authorities intervened, he received the money and additional assistance.

RUSSIA-NORTH KOREA

The memorial complex and “Museum of the Military Sacrifices of the Heroes of the Overseas Military Operation”—dedicated to North Korean soldiers who fell in the war in Ukraine—was solemnly inaugurated in Pyongyang with a ceremony marking the “final liberation of the part of the Kursk region occupied by the Ukrainian army.” The event was attended by Kim Yong-un and high-ranking Russian officials, including State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, inscribing the names of both Russians and North Koreans on the tombstones. During the ceremony, he praised the North Korean soldiers who, fighting alongside Russia, reportedly killed themselves by detonating grenades to avoid capture. His statements appear to confirm a long-suspected policy on the battlefield.

GEORGIA

Forty days have passed since the death of the Orthodox Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II—the full period of ecclesiastical mourning—and the patriarchal locum tenens, Metropolitan Shio (Mujuri), celebrated the memorial service at Sioni Cathedral, where he was laid to rest. Now the Synod of 39 Georgian bishops may begin the process of electing his successor by majority vote, which must take place no later than two months from now, choosing from among three candidates.

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