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A Russian oil facility was reported on fire in the Perm region on Wednesday following what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as another long-range drone strike by Kyiv deep inside Russia. Russian media said the blaze broke out at an industrial site in the Ural Mountains region, more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Some unconfirmed reports suggested it was a pumping station and storage complex. Perm regional governor Dmitry Makhonin said only that a drone hit an unspecified industrial facility, triggering a fire. Russian authorities have not provided detailed information about Ukraine’s claims of expanding long-range drone operations or the growing precision of domestically produced drones. The war has increasingly been shaped by drone warfare as Russia continues its large-scale invasion that has entered its fourth year. Ukraine has been focusing on expanding its drone capabilities for both strikes and defense. Zelenskyy on Wednesday shared a video on Telegram showing thick black smoke rising near a populated area, though he did not confirm the location or target. He said Ukraine was extending the range of its long-distance strikes, calling it a new phase aimed at weakening Russia’s war capability by targeting its oil revenues. He said the distance of the reported strike exceeded 1,500 kilometers and added that Ukraine would continue increasing the reach of its attacks. He also thanked Ukraine’s Security Service for what he called the precision of its operations. The reported strike came a day after Ukraine hit the Tuapse oil refinery and terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast for the third time in under two weeks. The attack prompted evacuations and raised concerns over environmental risks. Russian authorities said the fire there had been contained by Wednesday. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt revenue flows that support Moscow’s war effort. A Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said Ukraine is taking advantage of Russia’s vast territory and stretched air defenses to intensify such strikes, supported by increased domestic drone production. Russia’s defence ministry said its air defenses intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions and in Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is now producing a surplus of some weapons and is preparing to expand cooperation with international partners on drone and missile production. He said discussions are underway with countries in the Middle East, Gulf, Europe and the Caucasus, and that Kyiv has also submitted proposals to the United States for joint defence cooperation. Russia, however, continues its own long-range strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported injuries and damage in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy and Odesa. Eight people were injured in Kharkiv region overnight, while a woman died in Sumy due to carbon monoxide poisoning linked to an attack. In Odesa, infrastructure and a hospital building were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 154 of 171 drones launched by Russia overnight.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to testify before Congress on Wednesday for the first time since the Trump administration launched its war against Iran, a move strongly criticised by Democrats as an expensive conflict carried out without congressional approval. The hearing, organised by the House Armed Services Committee, will mainly focus on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget, which seeks to raise defense spending to a record $1.5 trillion. Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to underline the need for increased investment in drones, missile defence systems and naval forces. However, Democratic lawmakers are expected to shift attention to the growing cost of the Iran war, the depletion of key US weapons stockpiles and reports of civilian casualties, including children killed in a school bombing. Questions may also be raised about the military’s readiness to counter Iranian drone attacks, some of which reportedly breached US defenses and caused American casualties. Although a ceasefire is now in place, the US and Israel launched the conflict on Feb 28 without formal approval from Congress. Efforts by Democrats to pass resolutions requiring President Donald Trump to halt the war until authorised by lawmakers have so far failed. Republicans, while largely backing Trump’s leadership during the conflict, have also expressed concern about its duration. They cite Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the risks of withdrawing too soon, but some within the party are looking ahead to possible votes that could test support for the president if the war continues. Tensions have also affected global energy markets. Iran’s move to shut down the Strait of Hormuz has driven up fuel prices, adding political pressure on Republicans ahead of upcoming elections. In response, the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and increased its military presence in the region, deploying three aircraft carriers to the Middle East for the first time in over two decades. Despite ongoing tensions, both sides remain at an impasse. Trump is unlikely to accept Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strait in exchange for ending the war, lifting the blockade and delaying nuclear negotiations. Hegseth has so far avoided direct questioning from lawmakers, though he and Caine have held televised Pentagon briefings. His appearance before Congress this week, including another session with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, is expected to be more challenging. Lawmakers are also likely to question recent leadership changes within the military. Hegseth has removed several senior officials, including Army chief Gen. Randy George, along with other top generals and defence figures. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said the dismissals raised serious concerns, noting the importance of stability in key military positions during wartime. He admitted the developments have made him reconsider his earlier support for Hegseth. Meanwhile, Rep. Austin Scott also criticised the removal of Gen. George, calling it a reckless decision that undermined the US Army.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal from Iran aimed at ending its conflict with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear negotiations until after the war. The White House said Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to assess the proposal. However, US media reports suggest he is not satisfied with the plan because it delays discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Reuters, citing a US official, Trump wants the nuclear issue to be addressed at the very beginning of any talks. CNN reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter, that he is unlikely to accept the proposal, as easing US restrictions on Iranian ports without resolving nuclear concerns could reduce Washington’s bargaining power. The proposal comes as uncertainty continues over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while US restrictions on its ports remain in place. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, is now under pressure due to disagreements over maritime access in the strait and US measures targeting Iranian ports. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated the situation. Meanwhile, Iran has signalled it is still open to diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran is considering a US request to resume talks. Araghchi welcomed high-level engagement with Russia during a period of regional instability, saying recent developments show the strength of ties between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts. Iran has also been engaging with regional partners, including Pakistan and Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator. Officials say Tehran is keeping communication channels open and continues to signal readiness for dialogue. At the same time, pressure is growing internationally to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries have called for urgent and unhindered access to the waterway, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation could lead to a global food crisis. Diplomats at the UN Security Council have repeatedly urged de-escalation, highlighting disruptions caused by stranded cargo ships and thousands of maritime workers unable to pass through the strait. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flows through the route, making the situation critical for global energy supplies. Bahrain, which requested the UN meeting with support from several affected countries, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for an end to attacks on ships. However, no action was taken, as an earlier resolution urging the reopening of the strait was blocked by China and Russia, with Moscow blaming the US and Israel for escalating the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera

More than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to psychosocial risks, such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace harassment, according to a new global report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). These work-related psychosocial risks are mainly associated with cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders, including suicide. The report also finds that these risks account for nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually, reflecting years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death, and are estimated to result in economic losses equivalent to 1.37 per cent of global GDP each year. The report, The psychosocial working environment: Global developments and pathways for action, highlights the growing impact of how work is designed, organized, and managed on workers' safety and health. It warns that psychosocial risk factors, including long working hours, job insecurity, high demands with low control, and workplace bullying and harassment, can create harmful working environments if not properly addressed. What is the psychosocial working environment? The report introduces the psychosocial working environment as the elements of work and workplace interactions related to how jobs are designed, how work is organized and managed, and the broader policies, practices, and procedures that govern work. These elements, both individually and in combination, affect workers' health and well-being, as well as organizational performance. How the ILO estimated 840,000 deaths The figure of over 840,000 deaths per year was estimated using two key sources of evidence: Global prevalence data: Five major psychosocial risk factors were analyzed, including job strain (high demands/low control), effort–reward imbalance, job insecurity, long working hours, and workplace bullying and harassment. Scientific research: Data linking these risks to serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and mental disorders, including suicide. These risk levels were applied to the latest global mortality and health data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Proactive Action Required While many psychosocial risks are not new, major transformations, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, remote work, and new employment arrangements, are reshaping the psychosocial working environment. "Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant challenges for occupational safety and health in the modern world of work," said Manal Azzi, Team Lead on OSH Policy and Systems at the ILO. "Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only for protecting workers' mental and physical health, but also for strengthening productivity, organizational performance and sustainable economic development." The report concludes that by addressing these risks proactively, countries and enterprises can create healthier workplaces that benefit both workers and organizations while strengthening productivity and economic resilience.

A Russian drone attack early Monday hit residential areas in Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa, injuring 14 people, including two children, officials said. Local authorities said the drones struck homes and civilian infrastructure in the key Black Sea port, which has been repeatedly targeted since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. At least five of the injured, many suffering from shrapnel wounds, were taken to hospital, according to regional officials. In a separate development, two elderly people were killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Russian-controlled part of Kherson region, according to Moscow-installed authorities. The victims, a man and a woman in their 70s, died in the village of Dnipriany. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched around 1,900 drones, nearly 1,400 guided bombs and about 60 missiles at Ukraine over the past week. He claimed Ukraine is now intercepting more than 90% of incoming drones, thanks to improved military technology. However, he stressed the need for more advanced air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile system, to counter ballistic missile threats. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine is sharing its experience in dealing with drone attacks with countries in the Middle East and Gulf region, which are facing similar threats from Iranian drones. On the diplomatic front, Ukraine has received support from its allies. European partners, excluding the United States, are contributing funds to help Kyiv purchase American weapons, while the European Union has approved a major loan package and is planning further sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure using long-range drones and missiles in an effort to weaken Moscow’s economy. A Washington-based research group said Ukrainian forces carried out at least 10 strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities over the past two weeks.

North Korea has opened a memorial museum in Pyongyang to honor its soldiers who died while fighting alongside Russia in the war against Ukraine, as both countries signal plans to deepen cooperation. North Korea and Russia said in April 2025 that their forces had jointly pushed back a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region. While neither side disclosed the exact number of North Korean troops involved, South Korea’s intelligence agency estimated that about 15,000 soldiers were deployed, with around 2,000 killed. North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported that the museum was officially opened on Sunday, marking one year since the end of the Kursk operation. Leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony along with senior Russian officials, including State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov. During the event, Kim paid tribute by throwing soil over the remains of a fallen soldier and laying flowers for others whose bodies had already been placed in a mortuary. He later signed a guest book alongside the visiting Russian officials. In his speech, Kim described the fallen troops as a lasting symbol of the Korean people’s bravery and said their sacrifice would support what he called a “victorious march” for both nations. He also praised joint efforts by North Korean and Russian forces in countering what he termed a US-led Western attempt to dominate the region through military action. In a separate meeting with Beloussov, Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s full support for Russia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and security. Russian state media reported that Moscow is prepared to sign a military cooperation plan with Pyongyang covering the period from 2027 to 2031. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message read out during the ceremony, said the museum would stand as a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the two countries. He also expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow stronger. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kim has strengthened ties with Moscow by supplying troops and conventional weapons. In return, North Korea is believed to have received economic aid and other support. However, South Korea, the United States and their allies remain concerned that Russia could provide advanced technologies that might boost North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Experts say North Korean troops initially struggled on the battlefield due to limited combat experience and unfamiliar terrain, making them vulnerable to drone and artillery attacks. However, Ukrainian officials believe the troops have since gained valuable experience and played a key role in Russia’s strategy of deploying large numbers of soldiers in the Kursk region.

At least two people have died after tornadoes swept through parts of northern Texas, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing dozens of families from their homes, authorities said. Officials said one person was killed Saturday night in the town of Runaway Bay, where many houses were badly damaged. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark said emergency crews worked through the night to clear debris, reach affected homes and provide medical assistance. “Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need,” Clark said. The storm also struck nearby Springtown, where Parker County Assistant Fire Chief David Pruitt confirmed a second death south of the city. He said the area suffered “significant damage,” with widespread power outages affecting many residents. According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado with winds reaching up to 135 mph (217 kph) hit the Runaway Bay area, while an EF-1 tornado with winds of up to 105 mph (169 kph) was reported in Springtown. Meteorologist Patricia Sanchez said the slow-moving storm system passed through the region around 10pm Saturday, moving southeast from near Wichita Falls along the Oklahoma border and passing west of Fort Worth. Runaway Bay lies about 45 miles northwest of Fort Worth, while Springtown is roughly 30 miles from the city. Weather radar also detected a “potentially large and extremely dangerous” tornado near Azle at around 10:14pm Saturday, further raising concerns as the storm moved across the region.

Oil prices rose when the market opened Sunday as traders absorbed the news of the stalled ceasefire talks. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S.-produced light, sweet crude, was selling for $96.50 a barrel Sunday, up 2% since the market closed on Friday. The price was 44% higher than before the start of the Iran war, when oil was selling for about $67 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, was trading at $107.75 per barrel Sunday, up about 3% since Friday and 48% since the war began, when oil was selling for $72 a barrel. Oil prices have risen steadily since the war began and tankers full of crude became stranded in the Persian Gulf, unable to safely transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran 's foreign minister briefly visited Islamabad again on Sunday as Pakistan's political and military leadership scrambled to reignite ceasefire negotiations between Tehran and Washington, but U.S. President Donald Trump said they could talk by phone instead. Abbas Araghchi had left Pakistan’s capital late the previous day, creating confusion around an expected second round of talks there, but he returned before continuing on to Moscow on Sunday, Iranian state media said. He had been in Oman, which previously mediated talks and is on the other side of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The White House last week said it would dispatch envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad to follow up on historic face-to-face talks earlier this month. But shortly after Araghchi's departure Saturday, Trump said he had called off the mission because of a lack of progress with Iran. “If they want, we can talk but we’re not sending people," Trump told Fox News on Sunday. He said earlier on social media: “All they have to do is call!!!” Indirect talks between the two sides were ongoing, two Pakistani officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Trump last week indefinitely extended the ceasefire the U.S. and Iran agreed to on April 7 that has largely halted the fighting that began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. But a permanent settlement remains elusive in the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken the global economy.  

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook part of northern Japan early Monday, but no damage or casualties have been reported. No tsunami advisory was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The quake struck 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of the small town of Sarabetsu on Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido at a depth of 81 kilometers (50 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It measured the quake's strength at 6.1 magnitude. A week ago, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake prompted Japan to issue an advisory of a slightly higher risk of a possible megaquake for the nation's northeastern coastal areas.

In an interview Sunday on Fox News Channel, US President Donald Trump said he made that decision rather than send a delegation on a 17-hour flight. “We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump said, not indicating when the call would take place. Talks appeared to fall apart on Saturday, with Tehran’s top diplomat leaving Pakistan, and Trump soon afterward saying he had told envoys not to travel to Islamabad. Asked about NATO, Trump said he was “very, very disappointed” in the military alliance, which he has suggested the U.S. may consider leaving after member countries ignored his call to help as Iran effectively shut the the Strait of Hormuz. “We’ve been serving them for many years, spending trillions of dollars, and when we wanted to help they were not there, so we have to remember that,” Trump said.