The United States launched airstrikes in southern Iran targeting missile sites and boats placing mines, which Iran condemned as a ceasefire violation and warned of consequences. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have shot down drones and a fighter jet. The strikes occurred amid fragile negotiations to end the Iran war, which include discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump stated talks were 'proceeding nicely' and introduced a new requirement for additional countries to join the Abraham Accords as part of any deal. The incident threatens to undermine talks and has raised concerns about global food security; the UN Food and Agriculture Organization warned of a systemic shock to the global agrifood system due to fertilizer supply disruptions.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone that entered Iranian airspace over the Persian Gulf. The IRGC also stated it fired upon an RQ-4 drone and an F-35 fighter jet, which retreated. Separately, Iran's Fars News reported US and Israeli strikes on Iranian vessels near Larak Island, killing several Iranian nationals. The incidents occur amid a fragile cease-fire between Iran and the US/Israel, brokered by Pakistan, which took effect in April 2026.

Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and deep into Moscow to reduce Russian revenues and disrupt military production. Security expert Nico Lange argues that Ukraine has regained momentum on several front sections through longer-range drone strikes, successful attacks deep in Russian rear areas, and increasing pressure on Russian logistics. Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov visits Berlin for new European-Ukrainian negotiation formats following the US withdrawal from talks. The discussion also covers the Taurus missile debate, European air defense, and how Europe can support Ukraine militarily without further delays.

German MP Jürgen Hardt (CDU/CSU) described Putin as a 'wounded predator' whose political and economic concept has collapsed, leading to erratic behavior. He highlighted the failure of eight years of Normandy format negotiations due to Russia's non-compliance and lies, and cautioned against trusting dialogue with Russia.

A senior Iranian armed forces spokesperson, Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned that any renewed US and Israeli strikes on Iran would trigger a far stronger response extending beyond regional borders. The warning follows reports of US and Israeli aircraft striking Iranian vessels near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing several Iranian nationals. This escalation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region despite previous diplomatic efforts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's reported remarks to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about future strikes on Kyiv as a 'brazen provocation' and evidence of Russia's intent to prolong the war. Sybiha urged partners to send a firm signal to Moscow rather than evacuate diplomats. The EU summoned Russia's top diplomat in Brussels over the warning, calling it an unacceptable escalation.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert Brovdi announced that Ukraine has prepared response plans with 500 pre-identified targets in Belarus should Belarus directly enter the war against Ukraine. The warning comes amid ongoing Ukrainian concerns that Russia is pressuring Belarus to join new aggressive operations, potentially targeting northern Ukraine or NATO territory. Ukraine is reinforcing its northern defenses and expanding its long-range strike capabilities in response to the perceived threat.

Background: President Trump has been pursuing a negotiated end to the US-Iran war, and on May 24, 2026, announced an agreement with Iran has been largely negotiated. Today, Trump escalated his demands by asking Arab and Muslim leaders during a phone call to normalize relations with Israel as part of the deal. The request was met with silence and is expected to be refused by Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, who view it as an unacceptable precondition. Trump later posted on Truth Social that after US efforts to resolve the situation, these countries should be obligated to sign the Abraham Accords simultaneously.

Background: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei previously asserted Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to protect nuclear and missile programs amid a US blockade. In a 14-page written message marking Eid al-Adha, Khamenei declared that regional countries will no longer host US military bases, stating that the US is moving further from its former position. He praised the Resistance Front and described Hamas's October 7 attack as a storm of Aqsa. Deputy head of the ayatollah's military advisory body, Nasser Arasteh, stated that the US will have no place in the Persian Gulf, realized either with war or without war. US CENTCOM acknowledged overnight strikes on missile sites and boats laying mines in southern Iran, conducted in self-defense. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region. Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, and domestic outlets reported four IRGC members killed. The IRGC separately claimed to have downed a US drone and fired at other aircraft. A tanker was struck by an external explosion 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, with fuel leaking into the sea. The escalation occurred as Iranian negotiators were in Doha for peace talks; parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf returned to Tehran after the talks. The escalation threatens the fragile ceasefire in the Hormozgan region.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that Russia's 25 May threat of systematic strikes on Kyiv is an attempt to posture strength after the humiliation of the Victory Day ceasefire, not retaliation for Ukraine's Starobilsk strike. Russia intensified strikes on Kyiv from 12-13 May, before the Starobilsk incident. The EU, France, Poland, and Ukraine's Foreign Ministry refused to leave Kyiv. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the threat after a call with Lavrov.

US Central Command denied reports that the US Navy had resumed escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that 'Project Freedom' remains suspended. The denial came after a Wall Street Journal report, citing US military officials, claimed a Greek supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil was guided through the waterway; the vessel had been stranded since early March and is now bound for India. The operation was originally launched in May 2026 by the Trump administration but halted after Iranian attacks on vessels and drone and missile launches, escalating Gulf tensions. Trump said the suspension was based on requests from Pakistan and other countries and progress in negotiations with Iran.

Iran is demanding the release of $12 billion in frozen assets as part of a potential agreement with the United States, with an additional $12 billion to be transferred within 60 days of signing. Parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf visited Qatar for talks on securing access to the funds, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February and a subsequent ceasefire mediated by Pakistan. The negotiations are part of broader efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

Background: Ukraine previously warned that Russia could announce mass mobilization after the State Duma elections due to battlefield losses and recruitment shortfalls. Today: New reports from The Moscow Times, Google Trends, and Yandex Wordstat reveal a sharp increase in Russian citizens receiving 'mobilization orders' after being summoned to enlistment offices under the pretext of updating records. Searches for 'mobilization orders' rose from under 10,000 in January to around 40,000 in April 2025. Local authorities in Altai, Novosibirsk, and Chelyabinsk have posted notices ordering men with military IDs to appear, and rights groups describe the effort as preparation for a potential general mobilization, as reservists are checked and compiled into lists of those 'useful to the army,' even as Russia avoids formally announcing a second nationwide draft.

The United States has informed NATO allies of a planned gradual reduction in the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, drones, submarines, and warships dedicated to the alliance, as part of a broader military pivot to the Indo-Pacific. The announcement was made by Pentagon adviser Alexander Velez-Green at a closed-door meeting of NATO policy directors. No timelines were attached, and US nuclear deterrence in Europe will remain unchanged. European allies are expected to fill the gaps, with NATO acknowledging an over-reliance on US forces. The move reflects growing transatlantic tensions under President Trump and pressures Europe to assume greater defense responsibilities.

On 25 May 2026, Ukraine's Air Force used British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles to destroy a Russian command-and-control and communications post in occupied Luhansk Oblast. The General Staff confirmed the strike, which occurred around 16:30 local time, targeting a headquarters near Dovchansk. The attack underscores Ukraine's continued use of precision long-range weapons against high-value Russian military targets, leveraging limited supplies of the 450-kg warhead missiles with a range of approximately 250 km.

A three-judge federal panel blocked Alabama from using a 2023 Republican-drawn congressional map in the 2026 midterm elections, ruling that the map was intentionally discriminatory against Black voters in violation of the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. The court found that the Supreme Court's recent narrowing of the Voting Rights Act did not permit the map, as the discrimination was intentional. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he will appeal. The decision is a key test of the limits of the Supreme Court's Callais ruling and could affect control of the House of Representatives.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that between 70 and 100 civilians are killed weekly by Russian drone, missile, and aerial bomb attacks. He emphasized the importance of shelter infrastructure and noted that Ukraine has updated construction standards to require shelters in new residential and infrastructure projects. Klymenko also thanked international partners for their security assistance.

Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for Germany's CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, expressed optimism about Ukraine's ability to repel Russia's spring offensive and seize the initiative on certain frontline sections. He stated that Ukraine's military advantage is essential to force Putin into serious peace negotiations, and that Ukraine's victory means the restoration of its internationally recognized borders, including the return of abducted children. Hardt also indicated that if Ukraine decides to make concessions for a viable peace solution, it would have Berlin's full support.

A 30-year-old woman was fatally shot outside One Four One bar on West Street in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Monday, 26 August 2024. Police confirmed she was an innocent bystander enjoying a bank holiday night out. Three individuals have been arrested: a 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman near Stockport, Greater Manchester, and another 30-year-old man in Sheffield. Authorities released a CCTV image of a white Audi parked at the junction of Eldon Street and West Hill Street and are appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, and social media posts.

Background: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously called for neutralizing Israeli provocations and discussed regional cooperation, NATO, EU, and defense issues. In his Eid al-Adha message, Erdoğan highlighted Turkey's economic growth, defense industry expansion (with exports exceeding $10 billion), and institutional resilience, describing the country as an 'island of stability' amid regional crises. He reiterated the 'terror-free Turkey' initiative to disarm the PKK, and criticized Israel's continued 'occupation, destruction, massacres, and illegal settlement activities' in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon despite ceasefires.

Background: The Trump administration's trade policy has been characterized as coercive unilateralism, using tariffs to force concessions and bypassing Congress. Today: President Trump has expanded presidential power through unilateral actions on tariffs, foreign policy, and domestic enforcement, often bypassing Congress. His impulsive decisions have led to plunging approval ratings (underwater by 19 points in Nate Silver's polling average), economic uncertainty (70% disapproval on economy in CNN poll), and strained alliances. He has used the Justice Department against critics, pressured the Fed chair, launched a war against Iran at Israel's urging, and permitted the ousting of top military officers. His pattern of taking a hard line then relenting (dubbed TACO) has not prevented supply chain shifts and allied hedging.

Background: Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and deep into Moscow to reduce Russian oil revenues and expose air defense limits. New development: On day 1552 of the war, Ukraine wrapped occupied southern territories in three layers of drone strikes, doubling strikes from February to March and causing Russian retreats. Spain pledged €1 billion to Ukraine but helped block NATO's plan to count it as part of a binding 0.25% GDP aid metric; smaller NATO economies already meet this threshold, while UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Canada oppose making it mandatory. Ukraine destroyed a Russian S-300 launcher, rare radar, and fuel tank cars in occupied Donetsk in one day. Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck multiple ammo and logistics depots. Russia's fourth Oreshnik missile may have struck its own troops in occupied Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian drones lit a propane train in Kursk Oblast. ATESH partisans blinded Novorossiysk's air defenses before a drone strike. Ukrainian drone maker General Chereshnia advanced to the second round of a US Army $1.1 billion drone competition. Ukraine's new Lima electronic warfare system convinces Russian missiles they are in Peru at one percent of Patriot cost. Ukrainian intelligence reports Russia's new jet-powered Geran-4 drone runs on Chinese turbojets. Ukraine offers African nations cooperation across eight sectors. Russia warned diplomats to leave Kyiv ahead of systemic strikes. Sviatlana Tsikhanoŭskaya made her first Kyiv visit.

A potential U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while nuclear talks proceed could return large volumes of oil to the market, but uncertainties remain over shipping safety, Iranian fees, and timelines. The International Energy Agency estimates it may take two to three months to re-establish steady exports after mine clearance. Higher oil prices are boosting U.S. production forecasts and spurring pipeline bypass projects like the UAE's Fujairah pipeline. A permanent geopolitical risk premium may persist in oil markets.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil called on Europe to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated regulatory stance on artificial intelligence to avoid being dominated by US tech giants. He warned that Europe risks falling behind and must shape its own rules, and expressed openness to a digital tax. Klingbeil further urged European governments to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated approach to AI regulation, warning that Europe risks being dominated by US tech giants. He reiterated openness to a digital tax and emphasized the need for strong European players in the digital future.

On 25 May, the Royal Air Force launched Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept an unidentified aircraft not communicating with air traffic control, heading down the Norwegian coast toward UK airspace. The mission, supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, was related to potential Russian air activity near NATO and national airspace. The aircraft patrolled northeast of Shetland as part of routine air defense operations.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton criticized the US-Iran peace negotiations as a mistake, arguing the ceasefire allows Iran to recover from damage. He urged the administration to force open the Strait of Hormuz militarily and warned that a diplomatic deal would be reversible. Bolton accused President Trump of prioritizing gas prices over strategic interests and said Iran is exploiting Trump's desperation for a deal. In recent remarks, Bolton lambasted the 60-day extension of the ceasefire, questioned why the administration did not consider military action earlier, and attacked Trump's negotiating style, stating Iran is 'playing him' and 'buying time.'

Following one of the heaviest Russian bombardments on Kyiv since the 2022 invasion, which killed four people and damaged buildings including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and diplomatic residences, residents returned to daily routines on Monday, demonstrating desensitization and defiance. The attack involved an Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The event highlights civilian resilience amid ongoing war.

Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next, warns of a 'dramatic fall' in entry-level job opportunities in the UK, citing a doubling of applicants per shop job to 19. He attributes this to rising employer taxes, minimum wage increases, and new employment laws, while calling for economic growth and planning reform. The UK government defends its policies, noting a £2.5bn youth employment support package.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted industry leaders from construction, transport, energy and manufacturing at the Elysée Palace to accelerate France's electrification drive. The meeting follows a government plan with 22 measures to boost electricity consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, and cut dependence on imported oil amid Middle East tensions. Key targets include producing 1 million heat pumps annually by 2030, requiring regulatory stability and subsidies according to industry representatives.

Global financial markets adopted a cautious stance as renewed tensions with Iran offset earlier diplomatic optimism. Oil prices rose 2.7% to $95.7 per barrel, while gold fell 0.9% to $4,531. US Treasury yields declined, and the dollar index edged up. European and Asian markets showed mixed performance, with Italy's FTSE MIB reaching a record high. Investors await US GDP and PCE data, and the incoming Fed chair is expected to keep rates elevated.

Background: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously proposed a 'mutual airport ceasefire' to EU foreign ministers, arguing that Moscow's airports are vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes. Today: On 26 May, Sybiha expanded the proposal to include possible ceasefires on energy infrastructure or ports, stating that Ukraine is ready to discuss with partners a limited truce focusing on a single issue to demonstrate progress in negotiations. He indicated that the format has yet to be decided and that the goal is to set up an achievable ceasefire within a clearly defined timeframe. The proposal comes amid a sharp escalation, with Russia launching a major barrage on Kyiv with 90 missiles and 600 drones, and Ukraine intensifying deep strikes against Russian oil and military infrastructure, hitting at least 10 oil refineries. Sybiha also noted that the EU is reportedly split on whether to engage directly with Putin.

On the night of May 25-26, 2026, Russia launched 122 Shahed-type strike UAVs and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Ukraine from Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defense forces, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups, shot down or neutralized 111 drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. Nine strike UAVs and missiles hit 11 locations, and debris was found at three sites. The attack remained ongoing with new drone groups entering Ukrainian airspace.

The United Kingdom announced new sanctions targeting Russian cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks, and the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which processed over $90 billion last year. The package includes 18 designations, measures against a Kyrgyz bank, and restrictions on uranium imports and export controls on materials used in weapons production. Ukraine's sanctions commissioner confirmed the UK is preparing another major sanctions package focused on Russia's financial sector.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on May 26, 2026, reiterating Ankara's support for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the region amid ongoing tensions. Erdogan emphasized Turkey's readiness to contribute to positive outcomes in negotiations and expressed confidence that the Iranian people would overcome current difficulties and find safety and stability. He conveyed Eid al-Adha greetings. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

Following President Trump's visit to China, both nations are acknowledging the limits of coercion. The article argues that the US and China have entered a 'G-2' reality of competitive coexistence, where neither can dominate or exclude the other militarily or economically. This new phase, termed 'mutual denial of dominance and exclusion,' is exemplified by China's DeepSeek AI model and US semiconductor controls. Taiwan remains the most critical flashpoint, requiring sustained conflict management to prevent escalation into great-power war.

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Russian threats against foreign diplomatic personnel in Ukraine, calling them 'shameless blackmail' aimed at intimidating the international community. The ministry stated that the security threat to Kyiv remains unchanged and urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. In a subsequent statement, the ministry dismissed new Russian threats as blackmail aimed at intimidating foreign diplomatic missions, reiterating that the overall security threat to Kyiv remains unchanged. It called for increased international pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine's air defense, and expressed gratitude to foreign diplomats continuing their work in Ukraine.

Senior UK Ministry of Defence officials told the House of Lords National Resilience Committee on 21 May that the UK is improving homeland defence but significant work remains. They outlined the Fortitude plan for homeland defence, including reserve categories (operational, reinforcement, strategic), a Defence Readiness Bill raising recall age to 65, and testing via NATO's Steadfast Defender 27 exercise. The MoD is also exploring a civilian reserve for critical national infrastructure.

Background: On May 23-24, 2026, Russia launched a massive combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including the nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, killing at least four and wounding around 100. New development: The Institute for the Study of War reported that a Russian Oreshnik missile likely malfunctioned and crashed in occupied Donetsk region during the assault, with Ukrainian OSINT analysts identifying footage showing six submunitions hitting the ground, suggesting it may have struck Russian positions near Avdiivka or Yasynuvata. If confirmed, one in four Oreshniks used by Russia has malfunctioned. The attack package cost an estimated $361-411 million, including 600 drones and 90 missiles.

Vladimir Antonov, a Russian banker convicted of defrauding Lithuania's Snoras bank of €478 million, was extradited from France to Lithuania on 22 May 2026. He had been living in Brittany for ten months using forged documents claiming to be a Ukrainian refugee. Antonov was sentenced in absentia in November 2024 to 10.5 years in prison. The case highlights vulnerabilities in asylum systems and cross-border cooperation in financial crime enforcement.

Former International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stated that Yossi Cohen, then-head of Israel's Mossad, pressured her in meetings to drop the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes in occupied Palestine. She also described intimidation tactics, including unidentified men visiting her home in The Hague and handing her an envelope with $500, which she interpreted as a threat. Bensouda detailed the impact of U.S. sanctions imposed on her in 2020, which froze her assets, blocked her bank accounts, and disrupted her personal and professional life, including surveillance of her husband. She urged the EU to protect the ICC from threats and sanctions.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alaska Air National Guard, heavily damaged by shrapnel and missing its refueling boom, was spotted at RAF Mildenhall. It is at least the second such tanker to transit the base with battle damage from Operation Epic Fury, the recent U.S.-Iran war. The aircraft likely sustained damage from Iranian strikes and is en route to Tinker AFB for repairs. Over 40 U.S. aircraft were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, highlighting the extent of Iranian attacks on U.S. military assets.

A base operated by Norwegian People's Aid, a humanitarian organization conducting mine clearance in Ukraine, was hit in a Russian attack. No staff were injured, but vehicles and equipment sustained significant damage. The organization condemned the attack, stating that humanitarian activities must not be targeted, and is working to resume operations.

Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for Germany's CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, stated in an interview with Ukrinform that only the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party opposes aid to Ukraine in the Bundestag, while support comes from the governing coalition and the opposition Greens. He stressed there are no fundamental disagreements on Ukraine policy between coalition partners and expressed confidence in the government's durability, outlining a reform agenda for 2026 with results expected between 2027 and 2029.

Campaigners including the Child Poverty Action Group and TUC have urged the UK government to proceed with banning zero-hours contracts despite business opposition. The Employment Rights Act, passed last year, left details for later implementation. Business groups warn the ban will reduce flexibility and hiring, while campaigners argue it will provide security for over a million workers, many in hospitality and retail. The consultation has been delayed but is expected before summer, with rules potentially effective next year.

Syria's transitional authorities have discovered remnants of former leader Bashar al-Assad's covert chemical weapons program, including raw materials and munitions. Eighteen suspects, including high-level military and political officials, have been detained. A joint task force with Turkey and seven other nations is working to eliminate the weapons, as the international community provides support due to the former regime's non-cooperation with the OPCW.

China called on relevant parties to avoid escalating hostilities following Russian threats of intensified missile strikes on Kyiv, but refused to confirm whether it would evacuate its diplomatic staff from the Ukrainian capital. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing's standard position that dialogue is the only viable path to ending the war. Russia's Foreign Ministry claimed it was beginning systematic strikes on Ukraine's military-industrial facilities and decision-making centers in Kyiv, urging foreign nationals to leave. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the warnings as shameless blackmail, and the EU ambassador confirmed Western missions would remain in Kyiv.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost roughly a third of its workforce under the Trump administration due to buyouts and budget cuts, just as advanced AI models like Anthropic's Mythos pose new hacking threats to critical infrastructure. Former officials and industry leaders warn the agency lacks capacity to help utilities and banks prepare for AI-fueled cyberattacks, and CISA has taken a backseat role in White House cyber policy discussions, raising concerns about national security risks.

Background: Russian forces previously attacked Naftogaz oil and gas facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts, causing equipment damage and fires. Between May 18-23, Russian drones and ballistic missiles struck Naftogaz infrastructure across Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions. In Dnipropetrovsk, drones destroyed an Ukrnafta fuel station, injuring two employees; subsequent ballistic missiles caused additional damage. In Chernihiv, strikes over four days damaged critical equipment and forced personnel evacuation. In Kharkiv and Poltava, attacks lasting over 24 hours caused significant damage and fires, with personnel evacuated. Damage assessments remain ongoing due to continued strike risks.

A tank containing methyl methacrylate leaked at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, forcing the evacuation of over 44,000 residents. Firefighters later eliminated the explosion threat. Following Governor Gavin Newsom's request, President Trump approved federal emergency funding for California to support over 785 first responders at the GKN Aerospace Transparency site in northern Orange County.

Norway signed an agreement with the European Union to provide NOK 425 million ($45.8 million) for Ukraine's energy system, focusing on renewable energy, battery storage, and decentralized systems to reduce vulnerability to Russian attacks. The funds will be channeled through the EU to help Ukraine modernize its infrastructure ahead of winter, marking a new bilateral energy support initiative distinct from previous military aid or other countries' energy contributions.

On May 26, Russian drone and artillery strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zhytomyr regions, causing new power outages. Ukrenergo began restoration work where security permits and advised shifting consumption to solar peak hours from 10:00 to 16:00, while limiting high-power appliances from 18:00 to 22:00. Electricity consumption was 1.3% lower than the previous day due to clear weather and a drop in air temperature. No consumption restrictions were planned for May 26.

BP's board unanimously removed Chairman Albert Manifold less than a year after his appointment, citing unacceptable governance standards, oversight, and conduct issues. Ian Tyler has been appointed interim chair as the company searches for a permanent replacement. The removal comes amid falling profits in the global energy industry and follows the recent resignation of CEO Murray Auchincloss, with new CEO Meg O'Neill now leading the company's strategic pivot back to core oil and gas operations.

Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler announced that several African countries are requesting security and economic assistance modeled on Turkey's partnership with Somalia. The 'Somalia model' involves Ankara providing military training, technical support, and economic infrastructure development in exchange for shared profits. Potential candidates include Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia. This development signals Turkey's expanding influence in Africa through a comprehensive security and economic cooperation framework.

Background: The US had halted the rotation of 4,000 troops in Poland, sparking debate over American security guarantees, and President Trump later announced 5,000 additional troops for Poland. A detailed breakdown of US troop numbers across Europe reveals approximately 36,400 in Germany, 12,700 in Italy, and 10,200 in the UK, with additional rotational forces on NATO's eastern flank. Trump has threatened to reduce troop numbers in Germany and Spain while announcing a deployment of 5,000 additional soldiers to Poland, creating uncertainty about the future of US force posture in Europe. The Pentagon canceled a deployment of around 4,000 soldiers to Poland in mid-May, with vehicles already shipped and soldiers prepared for departure, and Trump earlier announced a withdrawal of 5,000 US soldiers from Germany after clashing with Chancellor Merz over Iran. Observers doubt the US will actually reduce its presence in Germany, and Washington has made clear that a prior agreement to station US medium-range missiles in Germany by 2026 will not be honored.

Ukraine's largest military charity, the Come Back Alive Foundation, signed a contract worth over UAH 1.37 billion ($30.9 million) to purchase approximately 16,000 Ukrainian-made drones, with deliveries scheduled by June 15, 2026. The deal, announced by Director Taras Chmut on X, covers three batches: the largest at over UAH 804.8 million ($18.17 million), and two others at UAH 400.4 million ($9.13 million) and UAH 165.3 million ($3.73 million). Specific drone models were not disclosed, but Chmut clarified they are not interceptor drones. This is one of the foundation's largest drone deals, highlighting the growing role of private fundraising in equipping Ukraine's military with domestically produced UAVs for battlefield and tactical depth operations.

Russian forces killed two civilians in the village of Yasnohirka (Kramatorsk community) and wounded 21 others across the Donetsk region on May 25. The attack is part of ongoing daily shelling and airstrikes by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. The cumulative civilian toll in the region now stands at 4,080 dead and 9,516 wounded, excluding Mariupol and Volnovakha.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who previously condemned Russian strikes and warned against premature negotiations, has explicitly endorsed continued Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, calling them 'long-range sanctions' that target Russia's military lifelines. He dismissed Western fears of escalation, blamed Russia for drone incidents near NATO borders, and rejected Russian claims that Baltic states authorized Ukraine to use their territory for strikes. Additionally, he noted that Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Estonia is better prepared than NATO as a whole for possible Russian aggression.

Background: Cuba's Civil Defense issued a family preparedness guide for potential US attack amid tensions over drone acquisitions and US threats. Today: Residents of Havana express resignation and fear as US military activity increases near Cuba, including spy plane overflights and naval deployments. Some worry about an imminent US intervention, while others are desperate for change regardless of the cost. The article captures the mood of a population caught between sovereignty concerns and desire for freedom.

Estonia has previously urged Ramstein coalition countries to commit 0.25% of GDP annually to Ukraine. Now, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna indicated that Estonia itself will likely continue this commitment beyond the current four-year period, with total Estonian aid approaching 3% of GDP. He called for fairer burden-sharing among NATO allies, noting that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has raised the issue of every Alliance member taking on such commitments, and highlighted Estonia's own defense spending at 5.24% of GDP with multi-year planning cycles.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an external explosion near a tanker approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, causing damage to the vessel's port side and a fuel leak. All crew and passengers are safe, and authorities are investigating the incident. The event raises concerns about maritime security in the region.

This article argues that the decline of US commercial manufacturing undermines economic statecraft, as the US lacks competitive products to offer allies or leverage against adversaries like China. It highlights China's growing share of global manufacturing exports (from 5% in 2000 to 20% in 2023) and the US decline (from 14% to 8%), and notes that 70,000 US manufacturing companies import from 45,000 Chinese suppliers. The article proposes free-market incentives—transferable tax credits, low-cost loans (Mannie Mac), and capital gains exemptions—to boost domestic manufacturing profitability and scale, reducing dependence on China and enabling credible coalition-building.

The European Commission has stated that it will only consider appointing an EU envoy for peace negotiations in Ukraine once Russia demonstrates a genuine willingness to end the war. The EU remains divided on the issue, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Lithuania to coordinate regional security responses. This stance underscores the EU's cautious approach to engaging with Russia amid ongoing hostilities.

Thomas Pauken II, an American journalist and political commentator residing in China for over a decade, has been charged in the US with acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government. An FBI affidavit alleges he prepared confidential reports for a Chinese handler, attempted to introduce an associate to Chinese contacts to provide classified information, and offered a $10,000 bonus for weekly reports intended to influence US policy. Pauken's attorney denies the allegations constitute espionage.

An investigation by Ukrainska Pravda reveals the inner workings of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia's primary facility for producing Geran/Shahed strike drones. The facility uses aggressive recruitment of Russian and foreign students under false pretenses, subjecting them to forced labor, total surveillance, and ideological indoctrination. Students work in a dual study-work program assembling drones used to strike Ukrainian cities. The facility is heavily defended with air defense systems and has expanded rapidly, with plans to produce 60,000 long-range drones and 50,000 decoys in 2025. The investigation details recruitment via spam campaigns, exploitation of foreign workers, a strict security regime with phone inspections, and propaganda activities including paintball re-enactments of battles for Ukrainian cities.

A chemical treatment vat imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview, Washington, on Tuesday morning, causing multiple injuries including chemical burns. The Longview Fire Department responded to the hazardous materials incident. There is no immediate threat to the public, but several employees were transported to the hospital. The plant employs roughly 1,000 people.

Investigators revealed that the apartment rented by Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian-occupied Enerhodar in August 2023 may have been fitted with surveillance equipment. She is believed to have been under surveillance from the moment she crossed into Russian-occupied territory. Roshchyna died in Russian captivity in September 2024 after being tortured. The case highlights Russian targeting of journalists in occupied areas.

The Dutch government has outlined plans to intensify diplomatic efforts to establish transit hubs and safe third-country agreements for deporting rejected asylum seekers outside Europe. The Netherlands is collaborating with Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Austria to produce a concrete proposal by the end of the year. A pilot project with Uganda is on hold due to election irregularities. The government argues no changes to international or EU law are needed and proposes an international asylum summit to discuss innovative solutions.

Navantia UK has commenced full production of the Royal Navy's new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships across its UK yards in Belfast, Appledore, and Methil, alongside construction in Spain. The company has committed £157 million in investment, with over £98.5 million allocated to Belfast and £26.7 million to Methil. Upgrades include robotic plasma cutting and AI-enabled processes under its Shipyard 5.0 concept. Test blocks are being built in Belfast, bow sections in Appledore, and blocks in Spain. Methil is contributing specialist fabrication and logistics, including a new transport barge. The FSS ships will resupply carrier strike groups with ammunition and provisions, with final integration in Belfast and further milestones expected in 2026.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised Türkiye's clear and consistent support for Pretoria's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Türkiye formally intervened in the proceedings in 2024, submitting a 43-page declaration under Article 63 of the ICJ statute. South Africa filed the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. The ICJ issued provisional measures in 2024. Several other countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Colombia, have also intervened. This case highlights growing international legal coordination against Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Background: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may be deployed at World Cup matches as part of the Trump administration's deportation push. Haitian and other immigrant communities in the US express fear of ICE detention and deportation during the 2026 World Cup. Reports of aggressive ICE tactics, including the shooting of two American demonstrators in Minneapolis, and a travel advisory from over 120 civil rights organizations highlight concerns for fans, players, and journalists. A Human Rights Watch report details an asylum-seeker arrested and deported after attending the Club World Cup final. DHS maintains that legal visitors have nothing to worry about.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced on May 26, 2026, that its forces had captured the settlements of Ryasne and Zapsillia in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region. Ukraine's General Staff denied the claim regarding Ryasne, calling it an information operation, and stated that Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive positions and control the settlement. The conflicting claims could not be independently verified, highlighting ongoing disinformation in the conflict.

Jordan Derrick, a former US Army combat engineer and gun influencer, was arrested on federal charges for distributing videos providing step-by-step instructions on making explosives. Authorities linked his tutorials to the 2025 New Orleans terror attack and a 2026 bombing in Missouri. Derrick faces charges of distributing bomb-making instructions, manufacturing explosives without a license, and unlawful possession of a destructive device, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are consulting Ukrainian defense industry officials and companies about bomb shelter construction and civilian protection, following recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace. Ukrainian firms like Metinvest have held preliminary talks with Baltic governments. The interest reflects growing concern over potential Russian aggression against NATO's eastern flank and practical lessons from Ukraine's wartime experience.

Morgan McSweeney, former chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, warned at the GlobSec Forum in Prague that left-wing parties risk falling behind authoritarians if they fail to master artificial intelligence. He argued AI is a tool for democrats against authoritarians, not left vs. right, and noted the UK could learn from Ukraine's use of AI in election campaigns. The remarks come as Starmer faces a revolt from Labour MPs after poor local election results.

Somalia's Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed stated that the country expects positive results from Türkiye-led offshore oil and gas drilling by the end of 2026. Türkiye's deep-sea drilling vessel Çağrı Bey is drilling the Curad-1 well off Mogadishu, one of the deepest offshore operations globally. The project follows seismic surveys by the Oruc Reis. Somalia also seeks to expand cooperation with Türkiye into mining, including critical minerals. The partnership is part of broader strategic ties between the two countries since 2011.

The United States is on track for its largest offshore wind expansion in history, with capacity expected to grow 35-fold by 2027, despite President Donald Trump's efforts to block projects through permit freezes, stop-work orders, and payouts to developers. Legal challenges have overturned some restrictions, and economic pressures from rising electricity demand and AI data centers are driving continued investment.

Russian sources have revealed specifications for the Berdysh, a heavy hexacopter drone developed by Ural Drone Factory, designed for strike operations, cargo delivery, and reconnaissance. With a 25 km range, 20 kg payload capacity, and ability to carry thermobaric and grenade launchers, it is positioned as a counterpart to Ukrainian heavy strike drones like the Vampire and Heavy Shot. This development highlights Russia's efforts to counter Ukraine's growing drone capabilities.

Fabien Roussel, leader of the French Communist Party (PCF), urged the government to lower electricity bills to help households cope with heatwaves, criticizing energy poverty and poor housing insulation. He announced a protest outside TotalEnergies' headquarters on Friday, accusing the company of profiteering from the Middle East crisis. The PCF plans further demonstrations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India for a Quad meeting and to reset bilateral relations strained by tariffs, Pakistan issues, and energy disputes, meeting Prime Minister Modi and inviting him to Washington. Analysts describe the visit as damage control, with trust eroded and trade disputes unresolved. Both sides agreed to pursue an interim trade arrangement, but structural hurdles remain. Former Indian ambassador Navtej Sarna cautioned that a single diplomatic tour cannot paper over a fundamental erosion of trust, stating 'Trust is in the deep red, interests are misaligned.' Former envoy Meera Shankar noted that Rubio's visit followed a period of strain marked by higher tariffs, tighter visa regimes, and questions over Washington's reliability. Former Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria said that Washington's recent outreach to Pakistan's military leadership has not gone unnoticed. Harsh Pant of ORF argued that the primary mission was to correct a growing perception of American disengagement, calling the visit 'an exercise in damage control.' Shankar added that while both sides agreed to push forward discussions on an interim trade arrangement, uncertainty in US tariff policy complicates the outlook.

Ukrainian border guards from the 'Forpost' Brigade previously captured three Russian soldiers near Vovchansk. In a subsequent operation, they captured four additional Russian soldiers using a Matrice 4T drone, which forced the soldiers to leave cover, lay down weapons, and move toward Ukrainian positions to surrender. The operation involved suppressive fire and coordinated drone actions near Ukrainian positions.

A new integrated defence and security exhibition, DSEI Germany, will launch in March 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds, organized by Clarion Events and Deutsche Messe AG. The event reflects Germany's post-Zeitenwende military build-up, with defence spending projected to reach €180 billion by 2030. Three recently retired senior Bundeswehr commanders have been appointed to a military advisory board. The exhibition will feature domains aligned with Bundeswehr command structure and a dedicated Industrial Solutions zone.

Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, has been found to have posted deleted messages on X and a rugby league forum from 2022-2023 downplaying the seriousness of Covid-19, opposing vaccine boosters, and insulting Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty. He suggested vaccine mandates were a scare tactic. The revelations add to previous controversies over his interactions with far-right figures and comments about Carol Vorderman. Reform UK defended him as a 'straight-talking' non-politician.

Türkiye is finalizing an updated national artificial intelligence strategy aimed at positioning the country as a global AI designer, producer, and exporter. The plan, coordinated by the Industry and Technology Ministry, prioritizes AI computing power, digital transformation, domestic large language models (including T3 AI and TÜBITAK's model), data center investments (Turkcell-Google Cloud partnership), and AI workforce development. The defense sector, including Havelsan's MAIN platform, is central to the initiative. Türkiye also joined the open-source AI platform Hugging Face and is pursuing regional AI cooperation through the Organization of Turkic States.

The US Navy is upgrading its Zumwalt-class destroyers with increased fuel capacity and hypersonic missiles to extend patrol endurance in the Pacific. The modifications convert ballast tanks to fuel tanks and install Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) missiles, replacing the Advanced Gun System. This enhances the stealth destroyers' role as premier offensive surface combatants for deterrence against China. The changes enable longer patrols and extended loitering for deterrence missions against adversaries like China.

An RFE/RL investigation reveals that the Russian Orthodox Church has been secretly defrocking priests who refuse to recite the 'Prayer for Holy Rus' supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Church courts operate without published rules, defense lawyers, or independent judges, and Patriarch Kirill personally approves rulings. At least 50 priests have been targeted, with some defrocked priests later reinstated by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople. This crackdown highlights the church's role as a moral and ideological pillar of the Kremlin's war effort.

Russian forces launched an overnight strike on Romny in the Sumy region of Ukraine, hitting residential areas and infrastructure, injuring three people. The attack caused fires, which have since been extinguished. Rescue operations were briefly suspended due to the threat of further attacks. The strike is part of ongoing Russian attacks on civilian areas in Sumy region.

Royal Navy divers from Delta Squadron deployed to the Gulf of Riga as part of NATO's Exercise Open Spirit to detect and neutralize unexploded ordnance from World War I and II. The operation involved nearly 400 personnel from Canada, the US, Germany, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The clearance is vital for commercial shipping and regional security, given the strategic importance of the Baltic since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's State Border Guard Service rejected Belarusian Security Council allegations that Ukrainian combat drones regularly cross into Belarus, calling them absurd and an attempt to shift blame. Spokesperson Andrii Demchenko highlighted inconsistencies in Belarusian claims, noting that their air defenses allegedly detect only Ukrainian drones while ignoring those entering Ukraine from Belarus, and questioned why Belarus remained silent for so long about these supposed provocations. This denial underscores ongoing tensions between the two countries over border security.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) published an opinion piece in The New York Times arguing that the Democratic Party's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has failed, alongside the Republican approach. He calls for a new strategy, criticizing decades of U.S. policy.

Estonia's digital embassy in Luxembourg, established in 2019, stores critical government data including citizen registries and land records, protected from cyberattacks and invasion. The concept has gained traction after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Monaco, Singapore, and India pursuing similar agreements. Ukraine has temporarily amended its laws to store non-classified data abroad during the war. The World Economic Forum launched a global framework for digital embassy agreements in May 2026, and countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are positioning as hubs for such facilities, particularly to support AI infrastructure.

Corey Edwards, a former Reform UK Senedd candidate who resigned after a photo emerged appearing to show him performing a Nazi salute, has been appointed as a special adviser to Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas. Edwards is now listed on an internal Welsh Parliament system as a special adviser to Thomas. The appointment has drawn criticism from Plaid Cymru and Labour. Reform UK declined to comment on the hire.

Russian forces attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring three people and damaging a non-residential building and several vehicles, some of which caught fire. Rescue services extinguished the fires, and the air raid alert lasted over two hours. The attack involved drone strikes and high-speed missiles.

Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina and former chair of the Republican National Committee, asserted that the moderate faction of the Democratic Party has vanished, with centrists being forced out. His comments, made during a Fox News interview, highlight the deepening political polarization in the United States ahead of the midterm elections. In the interview, Whatley attributed the shift to increasing polarization within the party, reiterating that centrist Democrats no longer exist and are being driven out.

Halyna Bekhter, a 68-year-old Ukrainian woman sentenced to 11 years by Russian occupation authorities for donating to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has experienced rapid weight loss and suspected dementia while held in a Simferopol detention center. Her cellmates report she refuses to eat and requires force-feeding, and prosecutors are seeking to increase her sentence to 16 years. This case highlights Russia's use of legal repression against civilians in occupied territories.

On May 26, Russian forces launched a drone attack on the Korosten community in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and injuring one person. Ukrainian air defense neutralized 111 of 122 drones launched overnight across the country.

Babcock has entered a five-year engineering framework agreement with AtkinsRéalis to support critical UK defence and submarine programmes. The agreement forms part of a wider strategy to build closer long-term partnerships with key suppliers, creating a simpler and more consistent route for bringing specialist engineering expertise into critical defence programmes. Similar five-year agreements have also been established with nine other strategic suppliers across Babcock’s defence portfolio. This partnership aims to enhance capacity and efficiency in delivering complex defence infrastructure and new platforms, particularly within the UK's submarine enterprise and future obligations under AUKUS. The deal enables earlier engagement and more efficient delivery of specialist engineering expertise.

Poland has received preliminary approval from the US State Department to begin domestic production of PAC-3 MSE missiles for the Patriot air defense system, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk announced. The decision marks a shift from procurement to industrial integration, strengthening Poland's role in NATO's defense supply chain amid US supply constraints and growing demand from allies including Ukraine. The move follows long-standing Polish efforts to localize advanced weapons manufacturing and could extend to other munitions such as HIMARS rockets and Hellfire missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducted individual meetings with leaders of parliamentary factions and groups on May 26, 2025, in Kyiv, instead of a single large gathering. Attendees included Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Davyd Arakhamiia (Servant of the People), Kyrylo Budanov (Head of the President's Office), and faction leaders such as Petro Poroshenko (European Solidarity), Yuliia Tymoshenko (Batkivshchyna), Oleksandra Ustinova (Holos), as well as representatives of smaller parliamentary groups. The format was praised as effective by one faction leader, reflecting ongoing political coordination amid the war.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is debating a private member's bill introduced by Alliance Party MLA John Blair to ban hunting wild mammals with dogs, aiming to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK. Supporters argue the bill ends unnecessary cruelty, while opponents, including the Countryside Alliance Ireland, warn it could inadvertently criminalize ordinary dog owners and harm rural pest control. The bill is expected to pass its second stage with cross-party support from Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party, and some DUP members, though concerns remain about exemptions for lawful rural activities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan, meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The two signed a memorandum on strategic cooperation and advanced the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a road-and-rail corridor through Armenia connecting two parts of Azerbaijan. The visit underscores Armenia's shift toward the West under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, amid cooling relations with Russia and a historic peace deal with Azerbaijan. The agreements also cover cooperation on critical minerals, a key priority for Washington.

Andrei Kartapolov, chair of the Russian State Duma Defence Committee, stated that Ukraine's parliament and presidential office are not decision-making centres and that Russian strikes target underground command posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He indicated systematic strikes will continue until Ukraine accepts Kremlin terms.

A Marine Corps officer argues that the US military lacks a formal joint ethics doctrine, leaving service members morally unprepared for combat. The article contends that ethics are operationally critical for building trust, cohesion, and tempo, and that the absence of doctrine leads to preventable moral failures such as Abu Ghraib and the Marines United scandal. It calls for a joint ethics doctrine to treat moral culmination as a preventable operational failure, and recommends the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff develop such a doctrine.

Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned the US for refusing to issue a visa to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov for a UN Security Council meeting, calling it a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement and an egregious disrespect. The UN spokesperson urged the US to abide by its host country obligations.

Turkey's National Lottery Administration reported 84,585 websites for closure in 2025 as part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling and online betting. Authorities also blocked social media accounts, mobile apps, and payment systems linked to unauthorized gambling, and filed criminal complaints against operators and facilitators. The campaign reflects Turkey's ongoing enforcement against illicit financial flows and cybercrime.

Mike Needham, a longtime aide to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been promoted to assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser in the White House, replacing Robert Gabriel. He will focus on foreign policy challenges including Iran, China, Cuba, and Venezuela. Needham previously served as Rubio's Senate chief of staff and State Department counselor. Dan Holler will take over as counselor and acting director of policy planning at State, and Matt Rhodes will become chief of staff at the State Department.

Forces loyal to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar detained members of an international Gaza aid convoy in Sirte, including citizens from Spain, Poland, the US, and other countries, as they sought safe passage through a contested security zone, raising diplomatic tensions.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Florida's lawsuit against California and Washington over their policies restricting commercial driver's licenses to individuals with legal status and English proficiency. Florida argued the policies were discriminatory and linked to fatal crashes, but the Court refused to take up the case.

The Dutch government blocked the acquisition of Dutch digital ID supplier Solvinity by US-based Kyndryl, citing risks to the public interest. Solvinity runs the platform for the DigiD app, a key online identification tool used by Dutch citizens. The decision comes amid growing European concerns over reliance on US technology and ahead of the European Commission's tech sovereignty package. Kyndryl expressed disappointment, calling the decision politicized.

The Pentagon, through the Defense Health Agency and DARPA, has issued four new Small Business Innovation Research solicitations aimed at improving medical care for military working dogs. The projects focus on treating traumatic brain injury, developing shelf-stable whole blood for transfusions, decontaminating dogs exposed to toxic chemicals, and creating medical treatments interoperable between dogs and humans. These initiatives seek to reduce battlefield mortality and enhance force health protection.

NATO previously launched a pilot marketplace for pre-vetted counter-drone systems under the Rapid Adoption Action Plan. Now, the alliance plans to award the first 'innovation badges' to vetted technologies by September 2026, following testing at six innovation ranges led by Latvia's Sēlija site. The badge system, distinct from formal certification, provides an assurance level tied to specific system configurations. Testing methodology adapts EU civilian standards (CENELAC) for military use. Non-NATO companies from Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have participated. Internal NATO processes, particularly the Defence Planning Process, remain a challenge for rapid adoption, though the US has been supportive of the innovation agenda under the Trump administration.