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Olga Nesterova

Olga Nesterova

Olga Nesterova is a journalist and founder of ONEST Network, a reader-supported platform covering U.S. and global affairs. A former White House correspondent and UN diplomat, she focuses on international security and geopolitical strategy.

The Strait of Hormuz Summit — What’s Actually at Stake — Photo: U.S. Department of State from United States - Secretary Pompeo Arrives to Meet with French Foreign Minister Le Drian in Paris, Public Domain

Explained

The Strait of Hormuz Summit — What’s Actually at Stake

Strait of Hormuz summit 2026: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron lead a multinational initiative to restore shipping flows amid tensions with Iran, with major implications for global energy markets, maritime security, and economic stability.

By Olga Nesterova • 4 min read

Deep Dive: China’s Middle East Balancing Act

Deep Dive

Deep Dive: China’s Middle East Balancing Act

Why China cannot afford instability in the Strait of Hormuz: an ONEST Deep Dive on Beijing’s Iran calculus, disputed military-support reports, diplomacy, shipping risks, the May UN Security Council presidency, and what could be at stake in a Trump-Xi summit.

By Olga Nesterova • 9 min read

UK Government to Cut Electricity Bills for Manufacturers by Up to 25%

News

UK Government to Cut Electricity Bills for Manufacturers by Up to 25%

The UK government will cut electricity bills by up to 25% for more than 10,000 manufacturers from 2027, expanding support for energy-intensive industries.

By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read

APRIL 15: Blockade Tightens, Talks Resume, Global Pressure Builds

Global Briefing

APRIL 15: Blockade Tightens, Talks Resume, Global Pressure Builds

Middle East tensions deepen as the U.S. tightens its Iran blockade, talks prepare to resume, and global economic pressure builds around the Strait of Hormuz.

By Olga Nesterova • 8 min read

Canada Suspends Federal Fuel Tax to Ease Rising Costs — Photo is based on a screenshot of the official video announcement

News

Canada Suspends Federal Fuel Tax to Ease Rising Costs

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a temporary suspension of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel from April 20 to September 7, 2026, as the Liberal government moves to lower costs after securing a parliamentary majority.

By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read

ONEST Explained: Germany and Ukraine’s New Strategic Partnership Is About Far More Than Symbolism

Explained

ONEST Explained: Germany and Ukraine’s New Strategic Partnership Is About Far More Than Symbolism

Germany and Ukraine’s new agreement ties together defense production, reconstruction, EU integration, and politically sensitive return policies.

By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read

APRIL 13: Talks Collapse, Strait Blockade, Trump Targets the Vatican

Global Briefing

APRIL 13: Talks Collapse, Strait Blockade, Trump Targets the Vatican

“The United States and Iran must continue talks… there is no military solution to the conflict.” — António Guterres KEY DEVELOPMENTS The diplomatic window has closed — at least for now. Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement, and within hours, President Donald Trump announced plans to

By Olga Nesterova • 11 min read

Who Legally Controls the Strait of Hormuz? What the Law Says and Why It Matters for U.S.-Iran Talks — Strait of Hormuz on Google Maps

Explained

Who Legally Controls the Strait of Hormuz? What the Law Says and Why It Matters for U.S.-Iran Talks

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, but it is not legally owned by Iran alone. International law protects both coastal state rights and global transit through one of the world’s most critical waterways.

By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read

APRIL 10: Talks Ahead, Strait Still Closed, Ceasefire Tested

APRIL 10: Talks Ahead, Strait Still Closed, Ceasefire Tested

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.” — JD Vance KEY DEVELOPMENTS A

By Olga Nesterova • 6 min read

Diplomatic Note – 193 Voices

Diplomatic Notes

Diplomatic Note – 193 Voices

By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read

At the Right Place, at the Right Time — Ambassador to the UN, The Honourable David Lametti on Law, Dialogue, and Canada’s Role in a Changing World — Permanent Representative of Canada Presents Credentials to Secretary-General, UN Photo / Manuel Elias

ONEST Voices

At the Right Place, at the Right Time — Ambassador to the UN, The Honourable David Lametti on Law, Dialogue, and Canada’s Role in a Changing World

In a conversation with ONEST, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, The Honourable David Lametti, reflects on AI, diplomacy, Canadian values, and global stability.

By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read

What Counts as a War Crime? Definition, Examples, Prosecution and Today’s Cases

Deep Dive

What Counts as a War Crime? Definition, Examples, Prosecution and Today’s Cases

War Crimes Explained: Definition, Prosecution and What It Means for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Venezuela and Iran.

By Olga Nesterova • 8 min read