Background: The US and Iran are in a frozen conflict with US financial sanctions and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's closure of the strait, and stalled negotiations. The US-Israeli war against Iran has entered its third month with no end in sight. Today: A new analysis published in Foreign Affairs argues that the US is in a strategic stalemate, with Iran having closed the Strait of Hormuz and removed 14 million barrels of oil per day from global markets. The article states that Trump's maximalist demands for Iran's nuclear program are unrealistic given the shifted balance of power favoring Tehran. It outlines three bad options for Trump: extending the blockade (risking global economic crisis by June as oil inventories deplete), military escalation (likely to trigger Iranian retaliation on Gulf oil infrastructure), or walking away (politically damaging). The author recommends a narrow deal with US concessions, including reopening the Strait in exchange for lifting the blockade and allowing Iran to retain its missile capabilities, with IAEA custody of enriched uranium. The analysis further notes that 70% of Iran's missile stockpiles and launchers survived the war, and that Iran can quickly rebuild with Russian and Chinese help.

The U.S. personal saving rate fell to 2.6% in April, its lowest since mid-2022, as consumer spending rose 0.5% while disposable personal income fell 0.1%. The gap is driven by rising energy costs from the Iran war, with gasoline and energy goods leading spending increases. Core PCE inflation ticked up to 3.3% year-over-year, its highest since 2023. Analysts warn that households are drawing down savings, creating a fragile economic backdrop.

Sweden had previously delivered airfield maintenance equipment to Ukraine and prepared contracts for JAS 39 Gripen fighters. Now, Ukraine's first batch of Gripens will be armed with Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles (range over 100 km, speed Mach 4+). Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa stated this will push Russian guided bomb carriers away from the front, enhancing Ukrainian air defense and infantry protection. Delivery expected within 10 months.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on May 28, 2026, the continuation of the 'Economic Fury campaign' against Iran, targeting Iranian airlines by shutting down their access to landing spots, refueling, and ticket sales. Bessent claimed a US naval blockade has reduced Iranian crude oil shipments to record lows, putting the Iranian economy and currency in free fall, and warned that only a satisfactory outcome in negotiations would end the downward spiral.

Oil prices recovered some losses on Thursday amid renewed US-Iran hostilities. US Central Command reported that Kuwait intercepted Iranian missiles launched late Wednesday, following US strikes on Iranian missile sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% from its all-time high, reflecting reduced market sensitivity to oil price swings.

Background: President Trump has been engaged in Pakistan-mediated negotiations with Iran amid a 12-day war that destroyed Iran's enrichment capability. On May 25, 2026, Trump stated on Truth Social that any agreement with Iran must be 'great and meaningful,' warning that otherwise there will be no deal. An analysis of Trump's Truth Social account reveals a consistent pattern of aggressive rhetoric, ultimatums, and shifting positions regarding the Iran conflict. On March 22, 2026, he issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to destroy all Iranian power plants starting with the largest, but softened the ultimatum the next day. His posts, characterized by threats, conspiracy theories, and insults, influence public discourse and markets despite low platform reach.

Background: On May 27, a Russian drone attack on Odesa injured 11 people, including two children, and damaged civilian infrastructure. On May 28, a Russian daytime missile strike on Odesa injured 11 people, including two children aged 11 and 12, and ignited a large fire covering 1,800 square meters, damaging commercial buildings including a pet shop, liquor store, and post office. Three of the injured are in serious condition. Around 50 firefighters responded, and psychologists provided support to affected residents.

Senior Iranian lawmaker Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated on May 27, 2026, that Iran will not retreat from its red lines under US President Donald Trump's pressure. These red lines include the right to enrich uranium, possession of enriched uranium, authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of sanctions. Azizi posted on X that Trump alternates between threats and appeals for an agreement. This comes amid heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, Iranian retaliation, and a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan that took effect on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely by Trump.

Background: 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. Today: Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned US strikes on the southern port city of Bandar Abbas as ceasefire violations, with spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei vowing to defend national sovereignty and criticizing American rhetoric against Iran and regional countries. The same condemnation and vow were reiterated by Baqaei, emphasizing Iran's consistent stance against the strikes.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is on the back foot militarily, economically, and diplomatically, and that the dynamics of the war are shifting in Ukraine's favor. Speaking after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, she insisted that an unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for peace negotiations, that Europe will never be a neutral mediator, and that Russia must stop sabotage, cyber-attacks, and election interference. Kallas announced the EU is working on another round of sanctions against Russia. The meeting also covered Ukraine's defense deal with Sweden for Gripen jets, and other EU developments including fines on Temu and political changes in Latvia and Bulgaria.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened retaliatory action against the US military if attacks on Iran are repeated, following a US strike on southern Iran. The IRGC issued a formal statement warning that any further US action would face a 'firm response,' escalating tensions between the two countries.

On the night of May 27-28, 2026, Russia launched a Kinzhal aeroballistic missile and 147 drones (Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas) from Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups, shot down or suppressed 138 drones. The Kinzhal missile and nine strike drones hit seven locations, injuring three people in Dnipropetrovsk region, where homes, a lyceum, and a gas station were damaged. Damage was also reported in Odesa region.

A federal judge in Washington declined to block President Donald Trump's executive order creating a federal voter list and limiting mail voting, ruling it is too early to intervene as implementation has not begun. The order, issued in March after a stalled voting overhaul bill, would direct the US Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to those on a federal list of eligible voters. Democrats and civil rights groups argued the order is unconstitutional and could disrupt midterm elections; further legal challenges are pending, including a separate lawsuit in Boston.

Russian forces launched nearly 40 attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 28 May 2025, injuring 12 people, including six children. The strikes targeted multiple settlements in the Nikopol, Synelnykove, and Pavlohrad districts, damaging residential buildings, a business, infrastructure, and a vehicle. Two adults were hospitalized in serious condition. This marks a significant new wave of attacks on the region, with a high number of child casualties.

Germany's armed forces have ordered more than 2,000 logistic trucks from Rheinmetall in a deal worth approximately €1 billion, as part of efforts to strengthen the Bundeswehr amid heightened European security concerns. The order includes 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 variants, with deliveries starting in 2026. The purchase supports Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal of building the strongest conventional army in the EU and addresses logistics weaknesses highlighted by military leaders warning of a potential Russian threat by 2029.

On May 28, 2026, at around 08:00, a Russian drone struck two civilians traveling along a field road in the Velyka Pysarivka community of Sumy region, killing a man and a woman. The Sumy Regional Prosecutor's Office opened a war crimes investigation under Part 2, Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The identities of the victims are being established. Over the past day, Russian forces conducted more than 60 attacks on 25 settlements across 15 territorial communities in the region, injuring one other person.

On 27-28 May, Russian forces conducted strikes across Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Odesa oblasts, killing one person and injuring at least eight. Attacks included airstrikes, drones, MLRS, and artillery, damaging residential buildings, infrastructure, and civilian facilities. In Donetsk, a man was killed in Druzhkivka and three others injured. In Zaporizhzhia, two women aged 58 and 65 were injured amid 689 strikes on 40 settlements, including 20 airstrikes, 440 UAVs, 11 MLRS strikes, and 218 artillery attacks, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure. In Sumy, an 11-year-old boy was injured by a drone in Okhtyrka hromada; over 60 attacks hit 25 settlements using mortars, artillery, FPV drones, UAVs, and guided bombs, damaging houses, apartment buildings, vehicles, outbuildings, an educational institution, and other civilian infrastructure, with nine people evacuated from border hromadas. In Kharkiv, nine settlements were attacked, affecting a 62-year-old man in Kozacha Lopan and a 54-year-old man in Izium; strikes included seven guided aerial bombs, three Shahed/Geran-2 drones, two FPV drones, and 18 other UAVs, damaging houses, vehicles, outbuildings, a garage, an apiary, power lines, and a post office in six districts. In Odesa, a night drone attack hit a house and an infrastructure facility, shattering windows in nearby homes, with no reported injuries. The strikes highlight the ongoing Russian bombardment of Ukrainian civilian areas.

A CNN analysis reports that US President Donald Trump has threatened or used military force against at least 15 countries during his presidency, representing roughly one in 11 people globally. The report follows Trump's warning to Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, saying 'we'll have to blow 'em up.' Countries targeted include Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, Panama, and Oman. The analysis highlights a pattern of military threats and strikes across multiple continents, with five countries identified for potential US territorial expansion.

Background: Russian and Ukrainian armies face desertion crises, with over 200,000 Ukrainian soldiers going AWOL. Today: Ukrainian soldiers are increasingly going absent without leave (AWOL) specifically to force transfers to other units, citing poor command decisions and frustration with leadership. The Defense Ministry plans to reform reintegration procedures for absent soldiers. Over 200,000 AWOL cases have been recorded by early 2026, compared to 50,000 deserters who have left the army permanently, highlighting morale and discipline challenges in the armed forces.

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, a CDU politician and former energy industry executive, has drawn criticism for reversing climate policies of her Green predecessor, including scrapping a mandate for renewable heating systems and cutting solar subsidies. She plans to build new gas-fired power plants and prioritize affordability, but faces internal coalition disputes and a stagnant economy amid global shocks like the US-Iran war. Her recent visit to China seeks investment in renewables and e-mobility.

Retired US Army General Ben Hodges stated in an interview that Ukraine has the capability to isolate and liberate Crimea through precision strikes on the Kerch Bridge, airfields, and Russian logistics infrastructure. He argued that controlling Crimea is decisive for the war's outcome and that a sustainable peace requires Ukraine to regain the peninsula.

Spain's Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo announced that Madrid does not politically support a French-led non-paper calling for stronger EU trade defenses against China, reversing its earlier technical-level endorsement. The reversal highlights internal EU divisions on China policy, with Spain favoring engagement over confrontation, particularly given its reliance on Chinese investment in solar and automotive sectors. The move comes ahead of a European Commission debate on EU-China relations and trade defense measures.

US Senator Chris Murphy criticized President Trump's apparent threat to 'blow up' Oman, calling it a sign that the war on Iran has 'gone off the rails'. Murphy's comments reflect growing bipartisan criticism of Trump's handling of the conflict.

Ukrainian drone operators from the 413th Unmanned Systems Force 'Raid' Regiment struck a Russian military base in the village of Bezimenne on the Sea of Azov coast, targeting the 9th Mechanized Brigade. The base was camouflaged within a former children's camp. This is the second strike on the 9th Mechanized Brigade by 'Raid' operators, following a May attack on the brigade's command post in Pokrovsk. The strikes aim to degrade Russian offensive capabilities by destroying command posts and deployment sites.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has intensified his public criticism of EU regulation, blaming Brussels for overregulation that he claims hampers economic growth and deters investment. However, analysis reveals that EU member states themselves frequently request regulation to resolve trade disputes and protect national industries. EU single-market rules are a powerful tool for projecting European values and defending against geo-economic threats from the US and China. Merz's stance has resonated with other European leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who joined him in calling for an 'emergency brake' on new EU regulation. The article argues that Merz misunderstands the EU's regulatory role and that member states, not just Brussels, drive the demand for rules.

A report by Audit Scotland reveals that the backlog of trials in Scotland's highest criminal courts has nearly tripled to about 1,000 cases, driven by an increase in complex prosecutions for serious organised crime and historic sexual abuse. While overall trial backlogs have fallen from pandemic peaks, the high court congestion is causing system-wide pressure, delayed justice for victims and accused, and contributing to record prison populations despite early releases. The report calls for better evaluation of reforms.

The Trump administration's decision to cancel the deployment of a long-range precision strike battalion to Germany, withdraw 5,000 troops from the country, and cancel combat team deployments to Poland and Romania undermines NATO's conventional deterrence against Russia. The article argues that only US long-range precision strike capabilities and global logistics can deter Moscow, and that delegating conventional defense to European allies invites Russian aggression, potentially forcing a future US president to choose between backing down or risking nuclear conflict.

The Ukrainian government, led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, announced an additional allocation of Hr.10.8 billion ($244 million) for weapons procurement and defense industry development. The funds, sourced from personal income tax revenues and gambling licensing fees, will be used to purchase new weapons, repair and modernize military equipment, and scale up production of new battlefield technologies. This domestic funding initiative underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid the war with Russia.

Ukraine's Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that Russia has used sea-based cruise missile carriers only once in the past month, with no ships currently deployed at sea. Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea continue, targeting key logistics routes, causing fuel shortages and degrading Russian supply capabilities. The Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol was reportedly hit on May 27.

Rima Hassan, a French MEP from La France Insoumise, filed a complaint on May 28 for invasion of privacy and abuse of authority after police exploited her phone's geolocation data for nearly three months (January 1 to March 28) in a flagrant investigation for public apology of terrorism related to a March 26 X post. Her lawyer claims the surveillance was disproportionate and illegal, as she had always cooperated with authorities. Hassan is scheduled for trial on July 7 in Paris.

Guatemala has agreed to allow joint U.S.-led airstrikes and military operations inside its territory against drug trafficking groups, following a call between President Arévalo and Defense Secretary Hegseth. Operations could start as early as next month. Guatemala is the second Latin American country after Ecuador to accept such joint action. The Trump administration aims to pressure Mexico into accepting similar operations by normalizing U.S. military presence in the region.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers approved a new procedure for handling captured Russian military equipment, allowing its transfer and export for defense needs and international cooperation without additional authorization. The move formalizes and accelerates the use of trophy property, supporting Ukraine's war effort and industrial partnerships. Deputy Minister Vitalii Kindrativ stated the framework enables quick decisions on the use of trophy property, strengthens production capacity, and expands international cooperation.

The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg ruled that Russian conscripts do not automatically qualify for subsidiary protection in Germany solely due to the risk of military service. The court found no credible threat of being forced into combat in Ukraine, aligning with other German higher court rulings. The decision can be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney rejected opposition calls for a parliamentary inquiry into former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party. Swinney argued a five-year police investigation was sufficient, while opposition leaders accused the SNP of a culture of secrecy and cover-up.

Background: The US Southern Command has conducted multiple lethal kinetic strikes on vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing suspected narco-traffickers. On May 28, 2026, the US military struck another alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people. The operation is part of a broader campaign that has killed at least 194 people since September 2025. Legal experts and rights groups continue to warn that the strikes may be illegal under international law and constitute extrajudicial killings.

A Rating Group survey published on 25 May 2026 reveals that a majority of Ukrainians would support deploying Ukrainian troops to defend Lithuania (63%), Latvia (62%), Estonia (61%), Moldova (60%), Finland (59%), and Poland (58%) if Russia attacked them. 73% of Ukrainians already view their armed forces as defending Europe as a whole. Support for such deployments is strongly correlated with pro-EU sentiment among respondents. The survey was conducted by telephone among 1,000 respondents aged 18 and over from 15-17 April 2026, with a margin of error of up to 3.1 percent.

US Central Command has confirmed receiving multiple threat reports that adversaries are exploiting commercially available location data to target or surveil US personnel in war zones, including the Gulf region. The disclosure, shared with Senator Ron Wyden, marks the first official confirmation of such targeting. Lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to take protective measures, such as disabling advertising IDs on military devices and restricting location sharing. The issue highlights national security risks from the data broker industry.

Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces Grouping, stated that Russian forces are most actively probing the northern border in the Sumy region and near Vovchansk. He noted a decline in Russian offensive success, with retreats in the Velykyi Burluk direction and failure to create critical threats on the left bank of the Oskil River. 317 combat clashes were recorded in the past day.

A deputy from the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN), Jean-Philippe Tanguy, suggested that an advisor to party leader Jordan Bardella may have unknowingly attended a lunch with Kremlin propagandist Xenia Fedorova. The lunch, reported by Le Monde, also included a minister, a bishop, and other high-profile figures. This incident raises questions about potential Russian influence on French political figures.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada, as co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, have jointly announced aligned public health travel measures for travelers from Ebola-affected regions in Africa, following the WHO's declaration of a public health emergency of international concern for the DRC outbreak. The US has banned noncitizens from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, and extended the ban to green card holders. Canada has imposed a 90-day entry ban on residents from those countries and a 21-day quarantine for certain travelers. Mexico has tightened screening at airports and urged avoidance of travel to the DRC. The coordinated measures aim to protect public health during the tournament.

Captain 2nd Rank Andrii Ryzhenko, former deputy chief of staff of the Ukrainian Navy, stated that Ukraine has effectively confined the Russian fleet to its home ports in the Black Sea through the use of sea mines, Neptune anti-ship missiles, and maritime drones. He noted that the liberation of Zmiinyi Island was a turning point that enabled the grain corridor, and that the war has revealed the vulnerability of large ships to new technologies, prompting NATO countries to study Ukraine's experience.

Yad Vashem announced plans to establish its first educational centers outside Israel in Munich and Leipzig, Germany, amid rising antisemitism and declining Holocaust awareness among young Germans. The initiative aims to preserve Holocaust memory and counter far-right narratives, particularly in regions where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining support. The centers will be located in Munich, birthplace of the Nazi Party, and Leipzig in Saxony, where the AfD is strong.

Renaldo Baptiste, already serving a life sentence for murder, was convicted of orchestrating the fatal shooting of Joanne Penney in Talbot Green, Wales, from his prison cell using a hidden phone. The murder was part of a drug turf war between organized crime groups. Eleven gang members have been convicted across two trials and will be sentenced next month.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced during a visit to Fleury-Mérogis prison on Thursday that a courtroom will be built within the prison complex by the end of 2027. The measure aims to limit the extraction of dangerous detainees for trials, notably for the upcoming trial of Mohamed Amra, who escaped in a deadly attack on a prison van in May 2024. Darmanin also proposed a second, larger trial room in Paris, modeled on the temporary courtroom used for the November 2015 attacks trial, but no timeline was given.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to shield the state's elections from federal interference, citing concerns about the Trump administration. The law restricts access to voter rolls and election technology without a court order and limits law enforcement disruption of election workers. Newsom stated the law is a response to 'legitimate anxiety' about Trump's tactics, while the White House denied plans to interfere.

Ukrainian officials presented evidence that components from a Belarusian factory were found inside Russia's Oreshnik missile used in attacks on Ukraine. The components, manufactured by the Integral plant in Minsk, were part of a missile launched during a massive overnight attack on May 24. Ukrainian officials called for tighter sanctions on Belarus and Russia to halt the supply of foreign components.

Coffee prices have surged worldwide, with arabica and robusta beans reaching multi-decade highs due to drought in Vietnam, frost in Brazil, US tariffs on coffee-producing nations, Red Sea shipping disruptions, and EU deforestation regulations. US retail coffee prices have risen 17% in the past year, with ground roast coffee now averaging $9.61 per bag. Despite higher costs, consumer demand remains inelastic, and coffee shops are adapting through premiumization and automation. The price surge highlights the vulnerability of global commodity supply chains to climate change and trade policy.

Background: Ukraine previously reported that newly manufactured Western components from 2025 were found in Russian drones, indicating ongoing sanctions circumvention. Today, Ukrainian officials—including Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa, along with representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General's Office—presented European ambassadors with foreign-made components recovered from Russian Zircon, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles and Geran-2 drones used in the 23-24 May attack on Kyiv. The components originated from Switzerland, Germany, the US, UK, Japan, China, and other countries, with some manufactured this year. Separate circuit boards from the Oreshnik missile system contained only Russian and Belarusian components from 2004-2014. Ukraine called for tighter controls on component supplies to Russia and Belarus, specifically targeting the Integral plant in Minsk, and urged stepped-up coordination against Russia's shadow fleet, which generated over $101 billion in 2025.

An investigation by Lighthouse Reports and partners reveals how VFS Global, a multinational visa processing company, has profited from the privatization of visa management for France and other governments. The report highlights exploitative fees, structural failures, and corrupt practices within the company, which serves 71 governments.

The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Terry Pitchford, a Black man on death row in Mississippi, finding that the trial court failed to properly address racial bias in jury selection. Prosecutors removed four of five Black jurors. The decision revives a federal judge's ruling that invalidated Pitchford's conviction, citing insufficient opportunity for his attorney to rebut race-neutral reasons for the strikes. The case echoes the 2019 Flowers v. Mississippi ruling involving the same prosecutor.

Albania summoned the Russian ambassador in Tirana to protest Moscow's threats urging diplomatic personnel to leave Kyiv ahead of planned strikes. Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha condemned the threats as intimidation and a violation of international law, reaffirming Albania's support for Ukraine and its decision to keep its embassy in Kyiv. The move follows Russia's warning to Western diplomats and comes as the European Union also summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires over the same issue.

A man in his 40s escaped from a custody transport van on the A1(M) motorway in Hertfordshire and was struck and killed by a train near Welwyn North railway station. Two transport staff were injured during an altercation in the van. The incident has been referred to the police watchdog and the coroner.

A survey of 141 Fortune Global 500 CEOs conducted from May 4 to May 18, 2025, shows confidence fell 12 points to 47 in Q2, the lowest since the Iran war began. 47% of CEOs reported worsening economic conditions, up from 8% at the start of the year, while only 15% saw improvement. The decline is attributed to war-related uncertainty, despite stock market resilience and unchanged capital investment plans.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom plays a broad role in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, including developing conventional weapons (anti-tank missiles, cluster munitions, drone parts), producing strategic materials (composites, carbon fiber), importing dual-use components via sanctions exemptions, and administering occupied territories around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant where it allegedly participated in war crimes. Despite this, Rosatom has largely avoided Western sanctions due to countries' dependence on its nuclear fuel and services.

A French environmental group, ADELFA, has filed a legal appeal against the building permit for a new migrant detention centre near Dunkirk, which the UK has agreed to fund as part of a £660m deal to curb Channel crossings. The lawsuit argues the facility violates local planning rules and poses health risks due to nearby industrial ammonia storage. While construction continues, a successful challenge could delay or halt the centre's opening, potentially undermining a key element of UK-France cooperation on migration.

The US Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll for alleged perjury in her civil lawsuits against President Donald Trump. The probe, led by the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, focuses on whether Carroll falsely stated in a 2022 deposition that she received no outside funding for her legal fees, later contradicted by revelations that LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman contributed to her legal costs. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself due to prior representation of Trump. Carroll previously won two civil judgments against Trump for sexual assault and defamation, which Trump is appealing. The investigation raises concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.

European Union foreign ministers meeting in Cyprus are discussing whether to engage with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine, amid US distraction with Iran. Key issues include selecting an envoy, setting red lines (ceasefire before talks, no recognition of seized territories, accountability), and skepticism over Putin's willingness to negotiate in good faith.

NASA has announced plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon by the 2030s, as China advances its own lunar program with the launch of three astronauts. The developments highlight an intensifying space race between the two nations.

On May 27, 2026, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and a third injured when an interceptor drone's munition detonated while they were repelling a Russian drone attack in the Dunaivtsi community of Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The State Bureau of Investigation has opened a criminal case under Article 414 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (violation of weapons handling rules) and seized control panels and communication equipment for forensic examination. The incident underscores the risks of Ukraine's expanding mobile interceptor drone teams, which are deployed deep in rear areas to counter Russia's nightly Shahed-type drone raids.

Birmingham City Council has paid over £470,000 in daily charges and fines since 2021 because its own vehicles violate the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) rules. Most non-compliant vehicles belong to the waste department. The council, which declared effective bankruptcy in 2023, says it is transitioning to a low-emission fleet but 12% of vehicles remain non-compliant. The revelation highlights governance and financial management issues at a local authority already under government oversight.

NASA has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four US companies for landers, rovers, and drones to build a moon base, following the Artemis II lunar flyaround. China launched Shenzhou-23 for a year-long orbital mission and aims for a manned lunar presence by 2035, intensifying the space race between the two nations.

Russian forces damaged the Mykola Kulish Academic Music and Drama Theatre in Kherson for the second time, using a Molniya drone that struck at around 05:00, causing structural damage to walls, façade, and interior. The theatre, a major cultural institution in southern Ukraine, had been previously damaged in 2024, when a strike damaged a column, entrance doors, and café windows. Its director, Oleksandr Knyha, was abducted by Russian forces in March 2022 but later released and continues to lead the theatre from Ukrainian-controlled territory.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Jim Himes met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv following a major Russian missile strike using Kalibr, Iskander, and Oreshnik missiles. Blumenthal stated 'Russia is not winning' and thanked Ukraine for defending against Iranian missiles. Zelenskyy requested additional Patriot interceptors, warned of a potential new Russian mobilization, and discussed tightening sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector. The lawmakers affirmed continued US intelligence and military support.

The Nanterre criminal court sentenced former Levallois-Perret mayor Patrick Balkany to 15 months and 3 years in prison for two separate cases of embezzlement of public funds. The charges involved misuse of municipal police as private chauffeurs and improper payments via a subsidized association. No arrest warrant was issued due to his age. Balkany's lawyer announced an appeal.

Cuba faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and disrupted water access after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, cutting off Cuba's key oil supply. Over 96,000 surgeries are delayed, and childhood immunization has paused. Trump's administration continues pressure for regime change but has not selected successors, while diplomats hold rare talks. Experts warn the situation may become untenable within months.

Background: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously stated that Russia expects peace negotiations on the Ukraine war to resume with US mediation, noting the process is on pause. Today: Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu said the Russian-US peace initiative on Ukraine is stalling because Kyiv lacks political will for peace and seeks escalation. He accused Ukraine of benefiting economically from Western aid and claimed its budget depends entirely on the war. Shoygu further argued that Ukrainian leadership fears a settlement because it would have to answer for its policies, including a demographic crisis. He also claimed that no money would be allocated without war. Shoygu spoke at the International Security Forum near Moscow, which US embassy representatives attended for the first time in years.

Amid Chancellor Friedrich Merz's low approval ratings, speculation has resurfaced that North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst could replace him as CDU chancellor candidate. Wüst, who previously denied ambitions, is seen as a centrist alternative. The debate reflects deep dissatisfaction within the governing coalition and the CDU's internal tensions.

A research team from King's College London has gained access to Google's advanced quantum chip, Willow, through a partnership with the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. The team will use the chip to study quantum modeling of natural processes such as photosynthesis, aiming to advance solar cell technology, energy grids, and drug discovery. This marks a milestone in UK quantum research and highlights growing international competition in the field.

Background: The Trump administration has imposed sweeping sanctions on Cuba and threatened military action. Today: The administration is bracing for a potential collapse of Cuba's government as early as summer, implementing an 'accelerationist' strategy of economic sanctions. Key actions include secondary sanctions on GAESA, the indictment of Raul Castro for the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdowns, and military tabletop exercises by SOUTHCOM. The U.S. has not identified a successor government, and officials emphasize no invasion is planned but all options remain open. The administration has also offered $100 million in humanitarian assistance through the Catholic Church and other charities.

The Pentagon previously requested $54.6 billion for the new Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) to develop drone swarm software. Now, officials detail how they will spend $50 billion of that on drone development and production in 2026, including expanding the list of easily purchasable drones, scaling up existing platforms, bringing in new companies, and fostering technology from Ukraine. SOUTHCOM has established an autonomous-warfare unit focused on building data networks for drone interoperability.

Dragon Capital and Amber Infrastructure closed the first round of the Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund I at €207 million ($240 million), with anchor investors including EBRD, IFC, EIB, Swedfund, and Impact Fund Denmark. The fund will target emergency energy supply, digital infrastructure, transport, and critical infrastructure modernization in Ukraine, marking a significant institutional investment in the country's post-war recovery.

The French Court of Auditors recommends implementing direct bank debits from patients who fail to pay their medical co-payments (franchises médicales), a measure already in law but never enacted. The proposal aims to recover up to €500 million annually to help reduce the Social Security deficit, projected at €24 billion this year. The measure would target approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries of third-party payment (tiers payant), who currently do not pay co-payments directly. Implementation requires a decree and new IT systems.

Former senior CIA official David Rush has been arrested and charged with theft of public money after FBI agents found over 300 gold bars worth more than $40 million, along with $2 million in cash and luxury watches, hidden in his home. The CIA referred the case after an internal investigation found Rush had embezzled gold and foreign currency intended for work-related expenses. The case highlights the use of gold in covert intelligence operations and raises questions about oversight of CIA financial practices.

Estonia's State Chancellery and Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection signed a memorandum of cooperation to exchange knowledge and practical experience in protecting critical infrastructure. Estonia seeks to learn from Ukraine's wartime experience in ensuring resilience of power supply, communications, and other critical systems, while Ukraine is interested in Estonia's experience with EU requirements. The cooperation covers physical protection, drone threat mitigation, cyber protection, and insider threat detection, involving Estonian institutions like the Police and Border Guard Board and Security Police.

Background: German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) had previously defended the temporary fuel tax cut (Tankrabatt) and left open the possibility of extending it beyond the initial two-month period, while rejecting a highway speed limit. Now, Schnieder has dampened expectations for an extension beyond July 1, citing state budget limits. He advocated for targeted relief for freight transport instead, arguing that fuel prices affect the cost of everyday goods. Schnieder also rejected a highway speed limit as an alternative measure. The tax cut, which reduces energy taxes by 14.04 cents per liter, is set to expire at the end of June, with estimated revenue losses of up to 1.6 billion euros. Schnieder also stated that Germany is not dependent on the Middle East for fuel and that summer travel is not threatened by kerosene shortages.

UK Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan visited Australia to learn from its under-16 social media ban, as the UK prepares its own crackdown. He met with Australian officials and the eSafety commissioner, noting that many teens bypass the ban. The UK and Australia also signed an MoU to share information on AI safety and cybersecurity.

French Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou addressed the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and an unprecedented May heatwave. He stated that companies are prepared for hot weather and that the government has measures in place to mitigate the economic impact of the conflict, including fuel cost support for businesses and workers. He also noted that construction companies often stop work in extreme heat and have a mutualized fund to pay workers. The government is holding a crisis meeting on the heatwave and has reinforced anti-heatwave obligations for employers via decrees in 2025.

The Trump administration's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, created as part of a settlement in President Trump's IRS lawsuit, faces new state-level opposition. New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores proposed the Anti-Insurrectionist Act, a 100% state income tax on New York residents who receive payments from the fund, targeting an estimated 80-90 New Yorkers involved in the January 6 attack who were pardoned by Trump. Similar tax proposals have been introduced by California Governor Gavin Newsom and at the federal level by House Democrats. The first claim filed was by Trump ally Michael Caputo, seeking $2.7 million.

Russia had previously deployed over 100 air defense systems around Moscow and blurred Putin's Valdai residence on maps. Now, new footage shows Russian forces using Mi-26 helicopters to install Pantsir-SMD-E air defense systems on the roof of the Nordstar Tower business center in Moscow. The SMD-E variant lacks autocannons and carries 95Ya6 missiles (range up to 20 km) and smaller TKB-1055 missiles (range up to 7 km, altitude up to 5 km). Its radar has a detection range of up to 24 km. Analysts warn that each system deployed to Moscow reduces coverage elsewhere, potentially creating gaps in Russian air defense coverage in southern military districts and occupied territories, while Ukrainian drone production reportedly reaches volumes comparable to Russian Shahed drones.

Background: Some companies have been spending more on AI compute costs than on employee salaries, raising concerns about cost efficiency. Today: A growing number of corporate leaders are questioning whether massive AI investments are yielding meaningful returns. Microsoft canceled most Claude Code licenses due to cost; Uber's COO said AI costs are 'harder to justify.' Companies face ballooning IT bills, employee skepticism, and challenges in identifying high-value use cases. Experts warn of a 'healthy swing' away from overuse toward more efficient AI deployment.

Jean-Philippe Tanguy, RN deputy for Somme and delegated president of the RN group in the National Assembly, reiterated the party's position that the retirement age should remain at 62 for those who started working at age 20. He clarified that Jordan Bardella's comments in the German press were about financing modalities, not a change in position. Tanguy stated the RN is studying a system based on contribution duration rather than a legal age, and denied demagoguery, insisting the reform targets those with long, difficult careers.

Michele Spagnuolo, a Google engineer based in Zurich, was arrested by the FBI in New York on insider trading and money laundering charges. He allegedly used confidential Google marketing materials to place bets on the prediction platform Polymarket, winning over $1.2 million. Google suspended the employee and is cooperating with authorities. The case highlights the use of internal corporate data for cryptocurrency-based betting.

The National Guard of Ukraine's 'Khartia' Corps, alongside other Defense Forces units, is constructing a deep-echeloned defense system in the Kharkiv direction, including trenches, anti-tank ditches, and fortifications. This effort follows the unit's role in halting the Russian advance into the Kharkiv region in summer 2024 and its subsequent recapture of territories through 2025–2026, including the Kupiansk counteroffensive. The development underscores Ukraine's ongoing fortification and defensive preparations in the region.

The BSW party, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, is campaigning in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the September state election, facing declining poll numbers (4% in May) and internal power struggles. The party positions itself as a potential kingmaker, proposing an expert government and opposing a formal coalition with the far-right AfD, though it rejects an anti-AfD firewall. Key themes include peace, criticism of the CDU, and pro-Russia energy policy, as the party struggles to regain momentum and secure parliamentary representation.

GMB Scotland has written to Defence Secretary John Healey opposing potential offshoring of contracts for Programme Euston, the Royal Navy's plan to build floating dry docks for submarine maintenance at Faslane. The union argues the project should create UK jobs and warns against repeating mistakes of previous contracts awarded to foreign firms, citing strategic and economic risks.

US President Donald Trump has filed an amended defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, alleging malice over the publication of a letter purportedly from Trump to Jeffrey Epstein containing a suggestive drawing of a female silhouette. Trump denies authorship and claims the Journal acted with malice. The original lawsuit was dismissed in April for insufficient evidence of malicious intent. Trump again seeks billions in damages.

Raphaël Glucksmann, leader of Place Publique, announced on TF1 on May 26 that he will decide on a 2027 presidential candidacy by the end of summer, after a three-month tour of France to propose a 'new patriotic contract'. The delay has drawn criticism from rivals, including La France Insoumise, and raised questions about his determination. His team insists he is not afraid and is using the time to consolidate support, particularly among Socialists. A meeting is planned for June 13 in Aubervilliers, and his book 'Nous avons encore envie' is being released.

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas' warns of AI risks, calls for strict regulation, and apologizes for the Vatican's historical role in slavery. It explicitly declares the 'just war' theory outdated, arguing it has been misused to justify war and that humanity now has better tools such as dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich said the pope is concerned about the doctrine being used as a 'permission slip' rather than a restraint. The just war theory, first articulated by St. Augustine, has been invoked by Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, to defend the Iran war. The encyclical also warns that arms industry profits drive conflicts. The declaration has drawn criticism from President Trump, who had previously attacked Leo over the Iran war.

Russia's State Duma passed a law allowing employees of Sberbank and other state-linked financial institutions to deploy electronic warfare equipment to intercept or destroy Ukrainian drones targeting their facilities. The measure, which still requires upper house and presidential approval, signals strain on Russia's military drone defenses as Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory have doubled in frequency since late 2025, with swarms of 100-200 aircraft regularly penetrating airspace. Analysts say the law offloads defense burdens to the civilian sector amid failing military-level countermeasures.

North Korea amended its constitution in March 2026 to remove all references to reunification, designate South Korea as a hostile state, and vest personal nuclear authority in Kim Jong Un. A new analysis by a North Korean escapee argues this is not an abandonment of peninsular ambitions but a strategic redefinition: Pyongyang is replacing a failed coercive reunification strategy with a nuclear-armed posture aimed at dominating the peninsula. The author warns that the lowered nuclear use threshold and personal command authority require the US-ROK alliance to reexamine extended deterrence and target Kim personally in psychological warfare. The article also notes that North Korea's deepening reliance on Moscow represents a partial decoupling from Chinese influence.

The United States has refused to commit to a G7 joint declaration addressing the environmental impact of the tech sector or discussing regulation of industry actors, according to French officials. France, holding the G7 presidency, had prioritized digital sustainability, including AI's energy consumption, but the US position forced France to consider endorsing the environmental section alone. Progress was made on children's online safety. The declaration is due to be published Friday.

Kara Dag Technologies, a Ukrainian company, has developed the Obriy series of drone detectors capable of detecting signals from 1 to 6 GHz, with plans to expand to 300 MHz to 6 GHz. The detectors are used by Ukrainian brigades, SBU, HUR, and other units to provide early warning against FPV and other drones. The company is developing AI-based classification and aims to make detection affordable for global markets, including against terrorist threats.

The trial of Nadine D., operator of the 'Free Our Sisters' platform, began at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. She is accused of collecting nearly €15,000 and sending letters to imprisoned IS supporters and their families, including convicted IS returnee Jennifer W. The case tests the legal boundary between humanitarian aid for detainees and material support for a terrorist organization.

Canadian shipbuilder Davie and UK-based Kraken Technology Group announced a strategic collaboration to establish Canadian production, integration, and development of Kraken's autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The partnership aims to combine Kraken's autonomous technology with Davie's shipbuilding capacity to strengthen Western maritime industrial capability and support Canada's 'Build, Partner, Buy' defence policy. The announcement comes as Western governments increasingly prioritize autonomous and AI-enabled maritime capabilities as part of wider efforts to strengthen sovereign industrial capacity and accelerate naval modernization.

Retired US General Ben Hodges stated that the Trump administration may recognize the war in Ukraine has reached a turning point in Ukraine's favor. He urged Western partners to invest heavily in Ukraine's defense industry, particularly long-range strike systems, and noted that Europe increasingly sees Ukrainian success as key to its own security. Hodges expressed disappointment that the Republican administration does not clearly view Russia as an enemy and is hesitant in providing assistance. He also mentioned that Ukrainian forces received 485,000 drones and other equipment in 2026 through the DOT-Chain Defence marketplace.

The French Senate voted on May 28, 2025, to lift the parliamentary immunity of Senator Francis Szpiner (Les Républicains), authorizing his potential placement in police custody. Szpiner is under investigation for corruption related to the 2023 allocation of a social housing unit in Paris, allegedly in exchange for sexual favors. A preliminary investigation was opened on October 18, 2024, and escalated to a formal judicial inquiry on April 7, 2025, for active and passive corruption. Searches were conducted at Szpiner's home and the mayor's office of the 14th arrondissement. Szpiner denies the allegations.

Amid Israeli military pressure and Hezbollah's declining legitimacy, Lebanese public opinion is increasingly open to peace with Israel, except among Shia communities. US-mediated talks aim for a 'durable peace,' as the Lebanese government distances itself from Hezbollah's armed actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law that authorizes local councils to allocate funds for the Armed Forces, excluding weapons and ammunition. The legislation permits funding for engineering and fortification structures, allows mayors to head military administrations without resigning, and expands regional council powers under martial law. It also enables civil servants on unpaid leave to take positions in other state bodies. The law was passed by parliament on June 18, 2024, with 303 votes.

Retired US General Ben Hodges argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no incentive to end the war in Ukraine because he would face personal danger in retirement. Hodges dismissed Western calls for an off-ramp, stating Putin can withdraw. He criticized Western nuclear fears and urged the West to commit to helping Ukraine defeat Russia to its 1991 borders. He also warned that Russian generals responsible for war crimes should never feel safe.

Background: The US military-run Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) near Gaza is closing, with its responsibilities transferred to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which has yet to deploy effectively. Today: The ISF, announced in February 2025 by the US Board of Peace, has failed to deploy any troops three months later. Indonesia, which pledged 8,000 troops, placed its commitment on indefinite hold, citing lack of US implementation guidelines and the unpopular Iran war. Other pledging nations—Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Albania—have not deployed significant forces. The force's activation is tied to a second ceasefire phase requiring Hamas disarmament, which remains deadlocked. The Iran war and global energy crisis have further complicated Arab and Muslim cooperation with the US and Israel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on member states to pay their dues in full and on time, warning that reform efforts cannot substitute for financial obligations. The UN faces a funding crisis with $2.798 billion in unpaid dues, largely due to US cuts under President Trump, risking collapse by mid-August.

The Khartiia unit of Ukraine's National Guard, along with other forces, is constructing a deeply layered defensive line in Kharkiv Oblast, including 135 km of anti-tank ditches, barbed wire, and obstacles. The fortifications are being built on orders of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strengthen defenses against Russian forces.

Luton Council is trialing a new approach to fly-tipping by treating dump sites as crime scenes, using forensic searches and CCTV to identify offenders. The trial has led to a 19% reduction in fly-tipping collections and increased fines. The UK government is also introducing tougher measures, including penalty points on driving licenses for fly-tipping offenses, as part of a national crackdown on waste crime.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Washington, DC on May 29, 2026 to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions will address global developments of mutual interest, including renewed US-Israeli attacks on Iran, and aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key priority sectors. The visit also highlights Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and stability, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement with the US amid regional tensions.

A US federal appeals court issued an administrative stay of a lower court's preliminary injunction that had blocked sanctions against UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, allowing the US Treasury to immediately reinstate her to the Specially Designated Nationals list, reimposing asset freezes and travel bans. The sanctions were originally imposed in July 2025 after Albanese's report recommending ICC prosecution of Israeli officials and US companies for alleged involvement in an 'economy of genocide' in occupied territories. The appeals court's action temporarily paused the district court ruling that had found the sanctions likely violated Albanese's free speech rights.

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported the elimination of a Nigerian mercenary, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, near Grafske in the Kharkiv region. HUR detailed a systematic recruitment scheme using fake job ads on Facebook and WhatsApp, luring Africans to Russia with promises of employment, then coercing them into military contracts. At least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian military, with 25 killed or missing. The report highlights Moscow's disregard for African governments' positions and international norms.

The Australian government has filed a lawsuit against US manufacturer 3M seeking AU$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in damages for allegedly using toxic PFAS 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foam that contaminated 28 defence sites. The government claims 3M withheld information about environmental risks and misrepresented the safety of the foam. This is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Australian government, highlighting the growing global concern over PFAS contamination and corporate accountability.

A new report from the Atlantic Council's Forward Defense program argues that the US military must urgently reform its doctrinal frameworks, organizational structures, and acquisition processes to counter adversary command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (C5ISRT) during the competition phase. It highlights that adversaries like China and Russia are already conducting persistent hybrid and information warfare, and recommends accelerating software-defined warfare, streamlining acquisition, and strengthening interagency integration to gain a strategic advantage and deter conflict.

On the night of May 28, Russian strike drones targeted the southern Odesa region, damaging a private residential building and an infrastructure facility. Windows in nearby buildings were also damaged. No casualties were reported. This attack follows a separate drone strike on a shopping center in Odesa city the previous day that injured 11 people.

Armenia's upcoming parliamentary elections in June will test public support for Prime Minister Pashinyan's peace agenda with Turkey and Azerbaijan, including the US-brokered TRIPP corridor. The article examines the strategic trade-offs, opposition narratives, and the historic opportunity to end Armenia's isolation despite deep-seated national trauma and security concerns. Today, US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Pashinyan for re-election, citing his moves to reduce dependence on Moscow and advance the US-brokered peace deal. The endorsement came via a Truth Social post on May 28, 2026, in which Trump called Pashinyan 'a great friend and Leader' and said the US and Armenia would 'break ground together' on TRIPP. The endorsement follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Yerevan, where Washington and Armenia signed a strategic partnership agreement and agreements on critical minerals and the TRIPP corridor. Russia responded by warning it could suspend or terminate preferential supplies of oil, gas, and rough diamonds if Armenia continues pursuing EU integration.

Raytheon is developing the Mark 58 Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW), the US Navy's next-generation submarine-launched torpedo, under Increment 2 contract. The company is establishing producibility and military hardening baselines, with in-water testing of the forebody scheduled for late 2025. The Navy has expanded propulsion options to include electric and stored chemical systems. CRAW is intended for anti-submarine warfare and hard-kill anti-torpedo defense, with potential future deployment on submarines, surface ships, and aircraft.