Russia Beefs Up Forces Near Finland’s Border

Russia is expanding its military presence near Finland, building new bases, warehouses, and shelters as it eyes the post-Ukraine conflict landscape. Finnish officials predict a significant troop buildup, potentially tripling current levels within five years.

Source: NYT

China's Ministry of Commerce announced that tariffs of up to 75% will be imposed on plastic products imported from the United States, the European Union (EU), Japan and Taiwan. These rates range from 3.8% to 74.9%.

Source: France 24

The EU faces an extra €10bn bill to refill gas stores this year after a harsh winter depleted reserves. Analysts warn of potential summer price hikes as Europe races to meet its 90% storage target.

Source: FT

Clash Report is now unblocked in India.

The leaders of Italy, the UK, Germany and France discussed Ukraine with Trump ahead of his conversation with Putin, the Italian Council of Ministers reported.

On the eve of the 60th anniversary of his execution, the Mossad announced that it was in receipt of a large amount of material belonging to Eli Cohen from Syria's official archive.

These included the original will, interrogation files, and personal effects of Israeli spy Eli Cohen. It is not yet clear whether Syria has handed over these materials.

Ukrainian drones strike Russian radar and supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms.

FPV and naval drones destroyed a Russian Neva radar and storage facilities on gas platforms in the Black Sea.

The IMF tightened Pakistan’s loan conditions and warned of economic risks from Trump’s tariffs and India tensions.

Pakistan must seek parliament approval for the next fiscal year’s budget by June, implement agricultural income tax reforms nationwide, and draft a plan to phase out industrial incentives by year-end, the IMF said.

Source: Bloomberg

EU members have agreed to launch a €150 billion loans-for-arms fund backed by the shared budget.

Source: FT

Netanyahu:

Israel must prevent a famine in Gaza for diplomatic reasons.

Pope Leo XIV holds a private audience with JD Vance.

Israel’s Minister of Finance Smotrich:

We are destroying everything that remains of Gaza, and our army will not leave a single stone unturned.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi:

Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime.

How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew?

NEW: About 500,000 Syrian refugees have returned following the fall of the Assad regime, mainly from Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Iraq, and Egypt, with more expected in the coming months.

Pakistan Army Spox. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry:

We have been very transparent — about the attacks on our bases, our loss of lives...

Has India done the same?

Israeli troops returning from Gaza with missing limbs were gifted a vacation to Thailand.

China provided Pakistan with air defense and satellite support during this month’s clash with India, helping reorganize radar systems and adjust satellite coverage, according to Ashok Kumar, Director General at the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies.

Source: Bloomberg

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa:

The world will be astonished by the speed of construction and recovery as it was by the liberation process.

BREAKING: Kremlin says Putin, Trump to hold phone call at 17:00 Moscow time on Monday.

Pakistan Army Spox. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warns India against weaponizing water:

It is some madman who can think that he can stop water of 240 million plus people of this country. Nobody dare stop water of Pakistan.

Any attempt to block Pakistan’s water would cross a red line and unleash consequences that would echo for generations.

Kremlin:

Romania's presidential elections were strange because all candidates were not allowed to run.