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Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the 11th that Ukraine’s battlefield-tested drone expertise has become a key driver of diplomatic breakthroughs. Nearly 20 countries around the world have expressed interest in cooperation, with four formal agreements already signed and the first contracts now being prepared for implementation. This “drone diplomacy” initiative has not only strengthened defense cooperation, but also helped Ukraine secure critical energy supplies and agricultural export markets.

According to foreign media reports, since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict in late February this year, Zelenskyy has actively traveled across the Middle East and Europe, leveraging drone technology to secure a number of diplomatic and military agreements. By the end of March, Ukraine had established long-term security partnerships with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In April, Ukraine also signed defense agreements with Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. In addition, last month Ukraine reached agreements on energy and defense cooperation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated that through these diplomatic agreements, Ukraine has already begun receiving the fuel supplies necessary for its energy security. He also revealed that Ukraine is preparing to launch a new security cooperation framework with other regions of the world. Although he did not specify which regions would be involved, Ukraine’s drone technology has clearly elevated the country’s strategic importance on the global stage.

Hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East have once again been overshadowed by rising tensions. On the 11th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, calling the contents “completely unacceptable.” He also warned that the already fragile ceasefire agreement could collapse further. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Trump had allowed maximum room for diplomatic mediation, but if negotiations fail, the United States is prepared to return to the battlefield. Iran responded defiantly, saying its military is fully prepared to defend its nuclear facilities and does not rule out opening new fronts in the conflict.

As the joint U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran entered its 73rd day, the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously imposed new sanctions on Iranian-linked individuals and entities accused of helping export Iranian oil to China. Trump stated that, in pursuit of “total victory” in the war, he is considering restarting “Project Freedom” to resume naval escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, he announced plans to temporarily suspend the federal gasoline tax to ease public frustration over soaring energy prices. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war is not over and insisted that Iran must still remove its enriched uranium stockpiles and dismantle related facilities.

In response to U.S. warnings, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran’s armed forces are ready to respond to any aggression and warned that if Britain or France deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will retaliate immediately. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also threatened to target U.S. positions in the Middle East if oil tankers come under attack. As warfare and shipping risks intensified, international oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising above $104 per barrel. The United Nations expressed concern that continued disruption of this critical waterway could trigger a large-scale humanitarian and food crisis, placing simultaneous pressure on both the Middle East and the global economy.

According to a Reuters report, the cruise ship MV Hondius, which experienced an outbreak of the Hantavirus, arrived early on the morning of the 10th at Tenerife in the Canary Islands to begin passenger evacuation operations. Spanish officials stated that none of the passengers onboard are currently showing symptoms of infection. All passengers will first undergo testing, and after being confirmed asymptomatic, they will be transported ashore in small groups by boat. They will then board dedicated quarantine shuttle buses to the airport before taking charter flights back to their respective countries, including the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

There are approximately 150 people aboard the MV Hondius. So far, six confirmed cases of Hantavirus infection have been reported, including three deaths, while two additional suspected cases are under investigation. Spanish authorities arranged for Spanish nationals to disembark first, with passengers of other nationalities evacuated afterward. All individuals involved in the operation are required to wear FFP2 masks throughout the process. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that everyone onboard is considered a “high-risk contact” and recommended a 42-day period of active health monitoring. Meanwhile, around 30 crew members will remain onboard as the ship continues to the Netherlands for decontamination procedures.

Due to concerns over the outbreak, residents of Tenerife have been protesting the ship’s arrival since the 8th, chanting slogans such as “We want tourism, not viruses.” In response, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the evacuation operation poses an extremely low risk to the public. He stressed that passengers would be completely isolated from local residents, saying, “You will not encounter them.” Tedros also explained that Tenerife was chosen because of its strong medical capabilities, infrastructure, and humanitarian capacity, and said he would personally oversee the entire evacuation process.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview on the 6th that it is highly possible the United States could reach a ceasefire agreement with Iran before his visit to China next week. The two sides are currently discussing a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the conflict. While the contents of the MOU have not been disclosed, it reportedly covers three core issues: restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran, and Iran’s commitment to limiting its nuclear program. Trump particularly emphasized that one key condition would involve the United States obtaining highly enriched uranium from Iran. He also warned once again that if negotiations collapse, the U.S. military would resume even more aggressive bombing operations.

Trump is expected to travel to China on the 14th and 15th for a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump is eager to end the war before the summit. If no agreement is reached beforehand, he would likely seek Beijing’s assistance in mediating with Iran. Such a scenario could potentially force concessions from Washington on issues including Taiwan, high-tech supply chains, and trade imbalances. Therefore, resolving the Iran issue beforehand would allow Trump to avoid meeting Xi Jinping from what critics describe as the position of a “petitioner.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made an unexpected visit to Beijing on the 6th and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Iran stated that it is reviewing the U.S. proposal with assistance from China and countries such as Pakistan. Wang Yi noted that the current situation stands at a critical turning point “from war to peace.” He added that China is highly concerned about the reopening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated Beijing’s support for resolving disputes peacefully through diplomatic negotiations.

The international community continues to hope for a final settlement between the United States and Iran, seeking an agreement that could end a conflict which has severely impacted global energy markets and international trade. Whether Trump can successfully secure both peace in the Middle East and stability across the Taiwan Strait during his 36-hour visit may become one of the most significant turning points in the global political and economic landscape in 2026.

In 2008, Madam Yu Mei-Jung, wife of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, presents an award to Dominican President Leonel Fernández. In recognition of her longstanding efforts to promote love and peace, international organizations designated April 4 as “Madam Yu, Mei-Jung Legacy Day.”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Australia on the 4th and held a leaders’ summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two sides signed a landmark “Japan–Australia Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation,” strengthening collaboration on critical minerals and formally elevating them to a “core pillar” of the bilateral economic security relationship.

Facing international challenges such as geopolitical tensions, conflicts in the Middle East, and overreliance on supply chains, both countries agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and take action to protect their economies from future shocks and uncertainties. To build more resilient supply chains, they identified six priority projects of high strategic value, targeting key resources needed for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and the aerospace industry. These include the Lynas rare earths project, Alcoa’s gallium recycling project, the Magnium magnesium project, Tivan’s Speewah fluorite project, the RZ Resources' Copi critical minerals project, and Ardea Resources’ Goongarrie Hub nickel project in Kalgoorlie.

The Australian government pledged up to AUD 1.3 billion in financial support for critical minerals projects involving Japanese companies through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia (EFA). On the Japanese side, approximately AUD 370 million has already been invested through the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), with additional funding to follow as projects progress.

Prime Minister Takaichi stated that Japan–Australia relations have reached a “quasi-alliance” level. In addition to economic security, both sides will deepen defense cooperation, including Australia’s introduction of Japan’s Mogami-class multi-role stealth frigate—developed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force—along with technology transfer, and the establishment of a “strategic cybersecurity partnership.” This agreement marks a shift in Japan–Australia relations from traditional resource trade toward deeper economic security cooperation and strategic integration.

Armenia recently held the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit in its capital, Yerevan, on a grand scale. Host Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, welcomed leaders from nearly 50 countries. Among them, the appearance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew particular attention, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also attended from across the Atlantic.

Key European powers were also represented in person, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Together with Pashinyan, they engaged in discussions on security resilience and economic cooperation. In his remarks, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is committed to forging a closer strategic partnership with the European Union.

This diplomatic gathering also reflects a significant shift in Armenia’s relationship with Russia. As doubts grow over Russia’s protection of its traditional ally during regional conflicts, Armenia is moving beyond its traditional geopolitical framework and aligning more closely with the European security system.

On May 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will officially launch “Project Freedom” in the Middle East on the morning of May 4. The initiative aims to help vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz safely exit restricted waters. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the operation as a “humanitarian effort” intended to assist neutral countries not involved in the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, allowing their commercial ships to resume normal navigation.

The U.S. military later confirmed that United States Central Command (CENTCOM) will support “Project Freedom” to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait. According to a statement, U.S. forces will deploy missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and approximately 15,000 personnel for the operation. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated that while maintaining a maritime blockade against Iran, this defensive mission is critical to regional stability and the global economy. However, U.S. officials emphasized that the operation is not a traditional escort mission.

In addition to military deployment, U.S. officials noted that the “Maritime Freedom Construct” proposed by the State Department last week will play a key role in the operation. The framework integrates information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and military cooperation to ensure safe navigation through the Strait. Trump also revealed that the United States is engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran regarding ending the war that has caused instability in the Middle East. The White House and the Pentagon have not yet released further details, but observers are closely watching whether “Project Freedom” will become a turning point in easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 1st that he will raise tariffs on automobiles and trucks from the European Union to 25%, claiming that the EU has failed to comply with a previous trade agreement. However, Trump did not specify the basis for the tariff increase.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on the 1st, President Trump wrote: “Given that the European Union has not adhered to the trade agreement we reached, I will raise tariffs on EU automobile and truck imports into the United States next week,” adding, “Tariffs will be increased to 25%.” He also included a condition: “If they manufacture cars and trucks in factories in the United States, there will be no tariffs.”

Last summer, the United States and the European Union signed the “Turnberry Agreement,” which set a 15% cap on tariffs for automobiles and related components. In return, Europe agreed to invest in the United States and implement changes expected to boost U.S. exports. However, after Trump threatened to annex Greenland, the European Parliament temporarily suspended its review of the agreement. Although it was eventually approved in March, disputes over products such as steel caused negotiations to stall again.

In a statement, the European Commission said it is implementing the agreement “in line with standard legislative practices” and has “maintained full communication with the U.S. government throughout.” It also stated, “We will keep all options open to protect the interests of the European Union.”

Trump has targeted the automotive sector, a particularly sensitive area, as it represents a significant portion of Europe’s economy, and the United States is the EU’s largest export market. This move also came a day after Trump again criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany accounts for a large share of EU automobile exports, and a sharp increase in U.S. tariffs could significantly impact the country. Trump’s action is aimed directly at one of the EU’s most export-driven core industries.

Analysts believe German automakers will be the most affected. Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have manufacturing operations in the United States to varying degrees, but many high-end models are still imported, meaning higher tariffs would put greater pressure on profits. Observers are also watching how negotiations between EU countries and the United States will unfold, especially amid ongoing disagreements over foreign policy, approaches toward Iran, and NATO troop deployments.

On the 28th, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance, with the decision set to take effect on May 1. The UAE seeks greater independence and flexibility in adjusting its production levels, allowing it to more effectively convert its investments into economic returns before global oil demand slows. This major decision is aimed at enhancing production flexibility and safeguarding national interests.

The UAE government also emphasized that leaving the organization does not mean it will disrupt market stability. The country pledged to introduce additional production capacity to the market in a “gradual and cautious” manner, ensuring alignment with global demand and market conditions. The UAE will continue to cooperate with global consumers and other oil-producing nations to maintain the efficiency and stability of energy supply.

Since joining OPEC in 1967, the UAE has been a member for nearly 60 years. In recent years, the country has continued to focus on diversifying its energy investments, including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and low-carbon solutions, to support the resilience and transformation of the global energy system. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have disrupted energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a shortfall in global oil supply and increased price volatility. Long-standing disagreements and competition with other OPEC members—especially Saudi Arabia—over production quotas have also played a key role in the UAE’s decision to pursue an independent policy.