Day: April 29, 2026

Another 22 Iranian crew members from the Touska vessel are still detained, and Iranian authorities are continuing efforts to secure their release, it said, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and President Donald Trump claimed the Touska was targeted after it refused to follow US orders to withdraw from its planned passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since April 13, the US military has enforced a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Iran blocking the passage of most vessels through the narrow waterway — except ships belonging to nations that have struck deals with Tehran.

The post Six crew members from US-held Iranian ship released​ appeared first on azeritimes.com.

In his evening address on Wednesday, Zelensky said the sanctions were approved following decisions by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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“I have signed another Ukrainian sanctions package – a significant one – targeting, in particular, entities in Belarus.,” Zelensky said. “This is a signal to many of our partners about where pressure should be applied to reduce the scale and intensity of this war.”

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine seeks to prevent Belarus from being drawn further into the conflict, warning against the expansion of military operations beyond Ukrainian territory.

“Belarus must not be drawn into this war. There must be no operations against other European countries. And this Russia’s war against Ukraine must end in a dignified peace,” he said.

The president said Ukraine will inform its international partners about intelligence indicating that Moscow continues to develop plans for operations beyond Ukraine, including efforts to involve Belarus more deeply in advancing Russian objectives.

In a related move, Zelensky also signed a decree to impose sanctions on Belarusian companies and individuals close to self‑proclaimed Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

The king’s speech in US Congress, social media diplomacy, and more deep strikes in Russia – updates from Ukraine and beyond
The measures target 16 Belarusian citizens and 11 legal entities linked to Russia’s war effort.

Among those sanctioned are companies producing 122mm and 152mm artillery shells for Russian forces, including Olsa, Minsk Thermoplast Plant, and the Heavy Forging Plant, which manufacture components for ammunition.

The list of sanctioned individuals includes Viktor Sheiman, a longtime associate of Lukashenko who has held senior government posts and is accused of facilitating shadow business operations and sanctions evasion.

Following this, Zelensky’s decree also targets Lukashenko’s sons, Viktor and Dmitry, whom Ukrainian authorities accuse of helping export goods in circumvention of international sanctions, including the supply and re‑export of dual‑use items through Belarus.

This comes after Zelensky signed decrees enacting sanctions against Russian entities involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children, part of a broader sanctions policy targeting individuals and organizations linked to Russia’s aggression.

Ukraine has repeatedly called on allies to align sanctions pressure on Russia and its partners to deter further escalation and push Moscow toward a just peace.

The post Zelensky approves sanctions package against Russia-linked firms​ appeared first on azeritimes.com.

It was a nervy start in the Spanish capital, with both sides wary of making the first mistake. Chances were limited early on, although Julian Alvarez tested David Raya with a curling effort that the Arsenal goalkeeper did well to turn away, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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The visitors gradually settled and began to enjoy more of the ball, with Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke both threatening as Mikel Arteta’s side looked the calmer of the two teams. Their reward arrived just before the break when Viktor Gyokeres was bundled over in the box by David Hancko.

The striker stepped up himself and drilled the penalty past Jan Oblak to hand Arsenal a valuable lead heading into half-time.

Atletico came out with far more urgency after the restart and quickly turned the momentum. Ademola Lookman went close from close range before the hosts were awarded a penalty of their own after Ben White was penalised for handball following a VAR review.

Alvarez made no mistake from the spot, smashing his effort high into the net to bring Diego Simeone’s side level. The home side then pushed hard for a winner. Antoine Griezmann clipped the crossbar, while Lookman wasted a huge chance when he shot straight at Raya from inside the area.

Mikel Arteta’s men thought they had been handed a late chance to retake the lead when Eberechi Eze won another penalty, only for the decision to be overturned after another check.

In the end, the Gunners will likely be the happier side with the draw, but the tie is finely poised ahead of next Tuesday’s return in north London.

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