… Vladyslav Vlasiuk, sanctions commissioner for Ukraine, said he understood “the rationale behind the UK’s decision”, but said he disagreed with the approach. …
UK waters down new Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices riseGhana Minute.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Place
Ukraine
Also known as: Kyiv
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- May 2026
He never bargained to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war, but a pursuit of better economic opportunities sold to him by a travelling agent has left him with scars he may never recover from. …
I’m now surviving on one kidney and a metal-adjusted liver – Ghanaian Russian recruit cries out… For years the UK led international efforts to put economic pressure on Russia for its war on Ukraine. …
UK loosens Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise… Both Beijing and Moscow are navigating shifting relationships with Trump’s United States, and are weighing up whether to play any role in helping to end a US-Iran conflict that’s ensnared global oil supplies and distracted Washington from Russia’s own yearslong war in Ukraine. …
Putin set to visit China days after Trump’s departure… Whereas Trump’s trip represented engagement between strategic competitors, Putin’s visit reflects an already established partnership that has deepened considerably since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. …
What Trump’s visit and Putin’s expected arrival reveal about Beijing’s global position… He is typical of many in the group – a former soldier who returned, wounded, from the Ukraine front line, in search of a role and purpose in Russian society. …
Brutal raid on woman’s birthday party highlights rise of Russian vigilante group… Both Latvia and Ukraine acknowledged that the drones may have been Ukrainian UAVs intended to target Russia whose signals had been jammed, leading them to stray into Latvia. …
Latvian PM resigns after row over stray Ukrainian dronesAt least four people have been killed, and children are among dozens wounded after Russia launched a massive wave of drone and missile strikes against Ukraine overnight, officials have said. …
Rescuers pull dead from rubble of Kyiv flats after massive Russian strikesNine people have been killed and at least 28 injured in the latest Russian drone attacks across Ukraine, local officials have said. …
Russian drone attacks kill nine in Ukraine after ceasefire expires… These included 17 people from the Philippines, four from the Netherlands (including the two medical staff), four from Ukraine, one from Russia and one from Poland. …
No sign of larger hantavirus outbreak, says UN health agency
World & Region
UK delays Russian oil product sanctions due to supply concerns
The News
The UK government has watered down plans to ban imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil in third countries, instead phasing in sanctions over coming months amid concerns over supplies and price rises following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Ukraine's sanctions commissioner said he understands the rationale but disagrees with the approach, citing concerns that temporary exemptions may generate additional revenues for Russia's war machine.
8 hours ago · Joy Online →
Today
UK delays Russian oil product sanctions due to supply concerns
The UK government has watered down plans to ban imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil in third countries, instead phasing in sanctions over coming months amid concerns over supplies and price rises following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Ukraine's sanctions commissioner said he understands the rationale but disagrees with the approach, citing concerns that temporary exemptions may generate additional revenues for Russia's war machine.
8 hours ago · Joy Online →
Ghanaian recruit severely injured fighting in Russia-Ukraine war
Maxwell Aidoo, a 25-year-old from Ghana's Central Region, now survives on one kidney and a liver adjusted with metal after being wounded by a Ukrainian drone attack while serving as a Russian soldier. He was recruited through a travel agent promising economic opportunities and stepped on a landmine, becoming the sole survivor of his battalion on that day.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
UK eases Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise
The UK government has relaxed sanctions on Russian oil refined into diesel and jet fuel in third countries, effective Wednesday, citing growing supply concerns and rising fuel prices. The move also loosens restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas transport, allowing imports of jet fuel from India and other refiners despite the government's stated commitment to impose severe economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
18 hours ago · Joy Online →
Putin arrives China for state visit amid geopolitical shifts
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in Beijing for a state visit days after Donald Trump's departure, signaling Beijing and Moscow's alignment as both navigate shifting relationships with Trump's United States and weigh their roles in resolving the US-Iran conflict.
21 hours ago · The Chronicle →
Yesterday
Trump and Putin visits show Beijing's growing global strategic centrality
After U.S. President Donald Trump visited Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran, and strategic competition, Russian President Vladimir Putin was expected to visit the following week, illustrating Beijing's increasing importance as a position both Washington and Moscow consider strategically significant.
19 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Friday 15 May
Russian vigilante group raids nightclub at woman's birthday party
A Russian vigilante group called Russkaya Obshina, which operates in alignment with President Putin's agenda against Western liberalism, raided a woman's birthday party at a nightclub, attacking guests and searching for evidence of LGBT "propaganda." The woman was later convicted for blasphemy based on a red neon crucifix in the venue, and the group has significantly increased its raids over the past two years with alleged funding from Kremlin-linked charities.
15 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Thursday 14 May
Latvian PM resigns after defence minister firing over Ukrainian drones
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after firing Defence Minister Andris Spruds over his response to Ukrainian drones straying into Latvian territory in May. Spruds's Progressives party withdrew support for the governing coalition in protest, causing its collapse.
14 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Russian strikes kill four, wound dozens in Kyiv overnight
At least four people were killed and 44 injured, including children, after Russia launched more than 670 drones and 56 missiles across Ukraine overnight, with three bodies pulled from a partially destroyed Kyiv apartment building where a rescue operation is ongoing.
14 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Wednesday 13 May
Nine killed in Russian drone attacks across Ukraine
Russian drone attacks across 14 regions of Ukraine killed nine people and injured at least 28, according to local officials, with Dnipropetrovsk region the hardest hit. The attacks resumed after a three-day US-brokered ceasefire expired on Monday.
13 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Tuesday 12 May
No larger hantavirus outbreak detected after cruise ship evacuation
The WHO chief said there is "no sign" of a larger hantavirus outbreak following the evacuation of the MV Hondius cruise ship, though he warned the situation could change and more cases may emerge in the coming weeks. Seven cases have been confirmed overall, three people have died, and twelve Dutch hospital employees are in quarantine after treating an evacuated passenger.
12 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Monday 11 May
Gauff battles past Jovic at Rome; eyes French Open defence
Reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff recovered from match point down to defeat American teenager Iva Jovic 5-7 7-5 6-2 in the Italian Open fourth round. Gauff acknowledged she must improve significantly to defend her French Open title beginning 24 May and match her run to last year's Italian Open final.
11 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Hantavirus cruise ship clears as cases rise globally
The MV Hondius departed Tenerife for the Netherlands after its final passengers left, as authorities confirmed three new positive hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak. Seven cases have been confirmed and two others suspected according to the WHO, with three passengers having died.
11 May 2026 · Joy Online →
US and French nationals test positive for hantavirus after cruise ship
An American and a French national who left a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak have tested positive for the virus after returning home; more than 90 passengers from the MV Hondius ship are being repatriated, with three passengers dead and officials saying the risk of a major outbreak is very low.
11 May 2026 · Joy Online →
EU launches €1bn Africa investment package at Ghana milestone
The European Union announced a €1 billion investment package for Africa under its Global Gateway Initiative to support infrastructure development, economic growth and digital transformation. The announcement by EU Ambassador to Ghana Rune Skinnebach marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the EU.
11 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Putin says Ukraine conflict is coming to an end
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes Russia's conflict with Ukraine is coming to an end, speaking after a scaled-back military parade in Moscow on Victory Day. He condemned Western support for Kyiv and said he would only meet President Zelensky once a lasting peace deal was agreed.
11 May 2026 · The Chronicle →
Saturday 9 May
Putin uses Victory Day speech to justify Ukraine war
Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow's Red Square to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce NATO, calling it a "just" war and characterizing Ukraine as an "aggressive force" armed and supported by NATO. The celebrations were scaled back for security reasons, and Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, though Russia's defence ministry later accused Ukraine of breaking it.
9 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Friday 8 May
Trump announces three-day ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine
Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which will include suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 from each country. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian state media confirmed their agreement to the proposal.
8 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of ceasefire violations
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating separate ceasefires declared for Victory Day celebrations on 8–9 May. Russia's defence ministry reported more than 1,000 violations, while Moscow said it was targeted by drones and Ukraine said Russia continued strikes; Russia has threatened a "massive missile strike" on Kyiv if the parade is attacked.
8 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Thursday 7 May
World Athletics rejects IOC plan to restore Belarus competition
The International Olympic Committee has urged sports federations to allow Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flag, reversing a 2023 ban that restricted them to neutral status. World Athletics rejected the proposal, maintaining its own sanctions that exclude Belarusian athletes from competition.
7 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Wednesday 6 May
Russian air strikes kill five at Ukraine's Naftogaz facilities
Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian state gas facilities in Poltava and Kharkiv killed three employees and two rescue workers, wounding 37 others and cutting gas supply to nearly 3,500 customers. The strikes occurred a day after Kyiv and Moscow announced unilateral ceasefires, prompting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to accuse Russia of "utter cynicism."
6 May 2026 · The Chronicle →
Zelensky condemns Russian attacks ahead of proposed ceasefires
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia for continuing deadly attacks while seeking a pause in hostilities, as Russia proposed a ceasefire on 8–9 May and Ukraine announced an open-ended truce from midnight on 6 May. Five people were killed and dozens injured in overnight missile and drone strikes as the two sides made competing, unilateral ceasefire proposals ahead of Russia's World War Two victory celebrations this weekend.
6 May 2026 · The Chronicle →
Romanian Prime Minister removed in parliamentary no-confidence vote
Romanian MPs voted to remove Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan after the left-wing Social Democrats abandoned his four-party coalition and joined the far-right opposition, citing disagreements over austerity measures. President Nicusor Dan is expected to attempt to rebuild the coalition under a different prime minister while reassuring the EU and NATO of Romania's pro-Brussels stance.
6 May 2026 · The Chronicle →
Monday 4 May
South Korea navigates global shocks amid US policy shifts
South Korea's export-dependent economy—with exports at 44% of GDP and heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports—faces acute vulnerability to Trump administration tariffs and global disruptions including the US-Iran tensions, pandemic, and Ukraine war.
4 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Ukrainian drone strikes Moscow high-rise ahead of Victory Day
A Ukrainian drone hit an upmarket residential high-rise in Moscow early Monday, causing visible damage to the building's façade with no casualties reported. The strike was the third consecutive night of drone attacks on the Russian capital, which will hold a scaled-back 9 May parade days later; Russia's defence ministry said 117 drones were intercepted across several regions, including 60 aimed at St Petersburg.
4 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Russian strikes kill 10 in Ukraine amid mutual drone warfare
Russian drone and missile strikes killed 10 people and injured at least 76 across five Ukrainian regions over the past day. Ukraine's military said Russia fired a ballistic missile and nearly 270 drones, most of which were intercepted, while Ukraine struck Russian oil infrastructure including an oil terminal and vessels near Novorossiysk and in the Leningrad region.
4 May 2026 · The Chronicle →
Sunday 3 May
Anthony Joshua returns to ring despite car crash injuries
Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on 25 July before a scheduled bout against Tyson Fury later this year, his first fight since a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two members of his team. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, calls it the "ultimate comeback" given the physical and emotional recovery required, though Frank Warren has said the Fury fight will not happen if Joshua loses to Prenga.
3 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Pastor Ansah builds comedy career via TikTok satire and skits
Isaac Gyamfi Ansah, a 36-year-old Associate Pastor at King of Glory Covenant Chapel in Accra, has become a social media sensation by creating short comedic skits on TikTok that blend satire with moral themes, drawing on his experiences as a husband and father. His popular "Osofo Maame" series about marriage challenges for religious leaders has gained him thousands of followers and opened business opportunities, including an international comedy tour in Turkey scheduled for June 28–July 5, 2026.
3 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Saturday 2 May
Germany says US troop withdrawal decision was foreseeable
Germany's defence minister Boris Pistorius said the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany was "foreseeable," while Nato seeks clarification from Washington. President Trump indicated further cuts may follow, citing concerns about German criticism of US negotiations with Iran.
2 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Friday 1 May
Academy Award goes missing after security seizure at airport
Oscar winner Pavel Talankin was forced to check his Academy Award for the documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport because security said it could be used as a weapon, but the statuette disappeared during his Lufthansa flight to Germany. The airline is conducting a comprehensive internal search for the award.
1 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Thursday 30 April
Oil prices spike on Iran military action reports
Brent crude rose to its highest level since 2022, touching $126.31 a barrel, after reports that the US military plans to brief President Trump on potential military action against Iran. Energy prices have been rising as peace talks stall and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with about 20% of the world's oil and LNG typically passing through the waterway.
30 April 2026 · Joy Online →