US National Economic Council Director Hassett:

Trump does not support a tax increase for the wealthy.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz:

We are close to reaching an agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine’s “Army of Drones” Turns War Into a Points Game

Ukraine has launched a gamified system that rewards soldiers for destroying Russian targets.

✔️ 6 points for each Russian soldier killed.
✔️ 40 points for a destroyed tank.
✔️ 50 points for missile systems.

Troops can exchange these points on a military tech marketplace—like an “Amazon for the army”—to get drones and gear.

Video proof is required. A Vampire drone, for example, costs 43 points.

Source: Politico

Pakistan Army Chief:

Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and escalated response.

NEW: Pakistan Army Chief visited Tilla Ranges to oversee Exercise Hammer Strike—an intense drill by Mangla Strike Corps testing combat readiness, joint ops, and advanced weapons in battlefield-like conditions.

Fighter jets, artillery, and combat aviation featured in the exercise.

Russian Foreign Ministry:

Russia will not allow Ukraine to be restored within its 1991 borders.

Ukrainian MRAP struck by Russian FPV drone just as troops prepare to dismount.

Turkish and Egyptian special forces conducted joint training in Ankara.

Exercises included urban warfare, sniper training, medical support, freefall parachuting, helicopter operations, air assault, fast-roping, medical evacuation, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions.

NEW: The fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, originally set for this Saturday in Rome, is expected to be postponed to next week.

A planned Friday meeting between Iran and European representatives (France, Germany, UK) may also be delayed.

Source: Axios

Most Swedes Oppose Trump’s Tariffs, Consider Boycotting U.S. Goods

A growing number of Swedes oppose Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and are open to boycotting American products in response.

A majority view tariffs negatively, with 7 in 10 saying they’ll reduce purchases from the U.S.

1 in 5 say they’ll stop buying American goods altogether.

Source: Dagens Nyheter

Chinese J-10 jets and Y-20 aircraft fly in formation with Egyptian MiG-29s over the Pyramids of Giza.

France bans the use of red colors, dolls, and traditional Palestinian attire at pro-Gaza protests.

Pakistan to stop airing Indian songs on FM radio stations.

White House:

The United States will ensure a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine.

Omani Foreign Minister:

The US-Iran meeting scheduled for Saturday has been rescheduled for logistical reasons.

World Food Programme:

We have no food left to distribute in the Gaza Strip.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen calls on her supporters to "rise up" against the "enterprise of confiscation of democracy."

Source: AFP

Iranian Foreign Ministry:

Talks with Washington will take place at a different time "depending on the US's discretion."

JD Vance:

Washington intends to actively seek the start of direct negotiations between the parties to the Ukrainian conflict in the next 100 days.

BREAKING: National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are set to leave their positions.

Source: CBS

Trump's envoy Witkoff may replace Waltz, Politico reports.