Russia will launch a large-scale offensive this summer. The main focus will be the Donetsk region.

Source: WaPo

Russia's Medvedev:

Regarding Trump's words about Putin "playing with fire" and "really bad things" happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII.

I hope Trump understands this!

US State Department:

We are cooperating with regional partners to open up investment in Syria.

US State Department:

Aid and food are moving into Gaza on a large scale.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has begun providing urgent aid to the people of Gaza who are in dire need of it.

US State Department:

Trump's latest statements on Russia should not be seen as a sign of disappointment.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:

If calls for an arms embargo on Israel succeed, the result will be our annihilation.

NEW: Israeli political figures are making efforts to persuade Berlin not to impose an arms embargo on Israel.

Source: Kan News

The Irish government is moving to ban the trade of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Source: Al Jazeera

Banner of a gym in France:

“Wife hitting you? Join our self-defense classes!”

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara:

Aleppo will soon become the region’s greatest economic hub.

From the heart of Aleppo, I declare to the world: our war against tyranny is over — now begins our battle against poverty.

Trump:

I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!

India's new surveillance gear rules require companies to submit hardware, software, and even source code for government inspection.

The move, fueled by espionage fears, hits Chinese firms hardest.

New rules demand CCTV makers—like Hikvision, Xiaomi, Motorola—submit hardware, software, and source code for inspection.

India’s surveillance market is booming—expected to hit $7B by 2030. Chinese firms hold a major share.

Source: Reuters

Brigadier General Ahmed al-Dalati, the commander of internal security in Suwayda governorate, has refuted the Reuters report that he met with Israel.

Dalati stated:

I categorically deny any involvement in direct negotiations with the Israeli side. I would like to emphasise that these allegations are baseless and lack veracity and credibility.

The Syrian leadership is taking all necessary measures to protect the Syrian people and to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic, using all legitimate means.

Source: Alekhbariah

NEW: Netanyahu had instructed his officials to plan a smaller attack that would not need American assistance, The New York Times reported citing Israeli officials.

Asia ups its arms game

IISS research shows increased military spending and R&D across Asia due to security threats and global industrial ties.

Defense R&D and procurement in six Southeast Asian countries rose by $2.7 billion (2022–2024), reaching $10.5 billion despite a flat GDP defense share (~1.5%).

• Gulf states & Europe deepen tech cooperation with Asian militaries.
• Spotlight on BrahMos missile, UAE-China ties, and regional self-reliance push.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian drones attacked the Kronstadt drone development plant in the Moscow region city of Dubna.

The Russian Defense Ministry reports that almost 300 UAVs were shot down.

Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Berlin for the third time in three weeks to meet with Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, highlighting a warming relationship.

German Chancellor Merz prioritizes Ukraine war.

• Talks expected on Taurus missile & EU unity.
• Sharp contrast with former chancellor Scholz’s approach.
• As U.S. support fades, Germany steps up.

Source: NYT

Trump’s New World Order: U.S., China, Russia

President Donald Trump appears to be reshaping U.S. foreign policy through a 19th-century-style lens, envisioning a tripartite world dominated by three great powers: the U.S., China, and Russia.

This underpins his efforts to reset ties with both countries—easing pressure on Moscow despite the war in Ukraine and defusing tensions with Beijing after a trade war.

Spheres of Influence: A Modern Empire?

Analysts suggest Trump seeks a global order where each superpower controls its regional sphere.

Monica Duffy Toft calls it “imperial nostalgia”:
“Commanding and extending spheres of influence appears to restore a fading sense of grandeur.”

Stephen Wertheim points to Trump’s desire “to expand America’s overt sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere.”

Examples include public calls to annex Canada, control Greenland, and reassert dominance over the Panama Canal.

In Asia, Trump’s stance on Taiwan raises concerns. Though U.S. law mandates arms sales, Trump has questioned the commitment. Analyst Yun Sun warns:
“Beijing would love to have a grand bargain… with Taiwan as its first and foremost focus.”

Under Secretary Elbridge Colby says Taiwan is “not an existential interest,” adding:
“It’s very important the core American interest is in denying China regional hegemony.”

Source: NYT

Macron:

France does not have double standards on the Israel/Palestinians issue and the Middle East.

France supports a two-state solution.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto:

Indonesia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Israel once Israel recognizes a Palestinian state.

Elon Musk criticized President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for expanding the federal deficit:

The bill adds trillions to the national debt despite partial tax cuts.

Musk says it contradicts DOGE’s mission and “undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”

He argues the bill “can be big or beautiful, not both.”