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A Moldovan court sentenced business tycoon Vladimir Plahotniuc in a $1 billion bank fraud case · FILE PHOTO. Vladimir Plahotniuc. ©  Sputnik / Miroslav Rotar · A Moldovan court has sentenced businessman and opposition politician Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison in a high-profile bank fraud case. · The charges are related to a 2014 bank scandal in which $1 billion was siphoned from three of the largest financial…

Kiev had suspended deliveries of Russian crude since January, causing a rift with EU members Hungary and Slovakia · FILE PHOTO: Oil storage tanks at an oil refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary. © Getty Images / Janos Kummer/ · Ukraine has restarted the flow of Russian oil to the EU via the Druzhba pipeline after a pause of almost three months, Hungarian energy giant MOL has said. · The company said in a statement that…

The deal was held up by Hungary for months due to Kiev’s suspension of Russian oil supplies · Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, Rome, Italy, April 15, 2026. ©  Massimo Valicchia / NurPhoto via Getty Images · A €90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan to Ukraine that was the focus of a months-long stand-off with Hungary is set to be disbursed on Thursday, according to media reports. · EU ambassadors approved the move on Wednesday,…

With a ceasefire extension between the US and Iran in place, the fallout from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz grows by the day, with some calling it the 'biggest crisis in history'. 500 million dollars on ice. The US reportedly blocks a cargo plane of cold, hard cash headed to Iraq, accusing Baghdad of hosting pro-Iranian forces on its territory. American military veterans are arrested after protesting the war on Iran in…

Winston Peters Declares Coalition “As Stable As a Three-Legged Stool” After Day of Political Tension · Source: Radio New Zealand · Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has declared the Government coalition remains stable, despite a day of political friction between governing partners. · Peters described the three-party arrangement as “as stable as a three-legged stool,” pushing back against suggestions that tensions within the coalition could…

Source: Author: Suze Wilson, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a caucus leadership vote and stays on as National Party leader. But the questions about his leadership style that brought the issue to a head are unlikely to simply melt away. · Flatlining or declining support, culminating in this week’s 1News-Verian poll showing the party seven points behind the Labour opposition, can…

Supply Stabilising – But Structural Risks Emerging · New Zealand’s fuel supply position continues to stabilise in the short term, with vessel numbers and national distribution improving compared to earlier in the month. · However, underlying global pressures — particularly around refining capacity, shipping costs, and geopolitical instability — are beginning to signal deeper structural risks ahead. · Vessel Count Lifts to 10 – More on the Way…

Source: Radio New Zealand · Published: April 2026 · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a confidence vote within the New Zealand National Party caucus, reaffirming his leadership despite growing political pressure and declining poll numbers. · The vote was initiated by Luxon himself following days of speculation around internal dissatisfaction within party ranks. · Leadership Backed — But Questions Remain · Following the caucus…

Source: Kiwibank Kiwi Economics Analysis Reference: Latest commentary and financial data · Economic Outlook: Growth Continuing, But Fragile · New analysis from Kiwibank economists highlights a New Zealand economy that is continuing to grow — but under increasingly fragile conditions. · The bank’s economic commentary points to a mixed environment, where signs of recovery are emerging alongside ongoing financial pressure on households and…

Source: Free Speech Union · The Free Speech Union is raising serious concerns about the Department of Internal Affairs beginning to recruit staff to implement and enforce the proposed under-16 social media ban despite the legislation not yet being written, let alone debated. · A newly advertised senior role confirms officials are already building the enforcement architecture for the policy, including “the establishment of the Phase One…