✕ Close Ukraine blows up bridge linking Russia and Crimea

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Ukraine’s audacious drone attack on Russian bombers was a show of “skill and audacity” comparable to the US’s assassination of Osama Bin Laden, a US senator said.

Richard Blumenthal said Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, which destroyed 41 Russian aircraft as far away as Siberia, was “one of the great military achievements in recent years”.

Kyiv’s security agency said 117 drones were smuggled into Russia over a year and simultaneously struck airfields in at least four regions thousands of kilometres from the Ukrainian border.

“It will rank with the United States raid on Osama bin Laden and the Israeli pager operation as one of the great military achievements in recent years,” Mr Blumenthal told Politico.

It comes as Ukrainian officials warned that the key Ukrainian city of Sumy is under threat as Russian troops advance along the northeastern frontline.

Vladimir Putin’s forces have taken around 9 miles of the frontline in the region, with Sumy’s surrounding farms and villages facing “constant shelling”.

“The Russian army is constantly shelling border villages, hitting residential buildings, farms, and civilian infrastructure facilities,” head of the military administration, Oleh Hryhorov, said.

‘How can we negotiate?’: Putin accuses Ukraine of ‘terror attacks’

We’re hearing more out of Russia now, with more detailed comments from Vladimir Putin.

He has labelled the explosions at bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions (see 15.03 post) as terror attacks aimed at wrecking peace negotiations.

“They [Ukraine] are asking for a summit meeting,” Putin said.

But he went on to ask how such meetings can be held “in these conditions” after Ukraine’s latest attacks.

“What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?” he added.

Ukraine would no doubt reply that Putin did not mention the fact his forces continue to launch air strikes and drone attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities – which would also suggest the Russian side aren’t ready for serious peace talks.

At least seven people were killed and 122 were injured after two rail bridges in regions bordering Ukraine collapsed late on Saturday, the chair of the Investigative Committee of Russia has said.

He also said five improvised explosives were detonated at the Kerch Bridge in the annexed Crimea region.

Ukraine also launched a surprise attack on multiple Russian airbases on Sunday, hitting more than 40 bombers deep inside the country.

It said the attack was targeting military aircraft responsible for carrying out strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities, with Russia recently ramping up its strikes.

Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, said in a June 3 interview with Fox News that Ukraine had carried out a “very bold attack” on Russian military airfields — but cautioned that the move significantly increases the risk of escalation.

“The risk levels are going way up,” he said. “What happened this weekend — people have to understand in the national security space, when you attack an opponent’s, part of their national survival system, which is their triad, their nuclear triad, that your risk level goes up because you don’t know what the other side is going to do, you’re not sure. And that’s what they actually did.”

“When you do that,” he continued, “it’s very clear the risk levels would go up. And I think that’s what we’re trying to avoid.”

Kellogg added that the Ukrainian operation showed the country “is not lying down on this” and that it could raise the risk level to something “unacceptable” for Russia.

On June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched an operation code-named Spiderweb, targeting four Russian military airfields. More than 100 drones were launched from trucks positioned near the bases. According to video footage and satellite images, the drones destroyed between 10 and 13 aircraft at sites in Russia’s Irkutsk and Murmansk regions. The SBU and Ukraine’s General Staff later claimed that 41 Russian aircraft had been destroyed.

more on the operation

The impact of ‘Spiderweb’ Ukraine’s massive drone attack on Russian air bases was a blow to the Kremlin’s pride — but what does it mean for the war?

more on the operation

‘How can we negotiate?’: Putin accuses Ukraine of ‘terror attacks’

We’re hearing more out of Russia now, with more detailed comments from Vladimir Putin.

He has labelled the explosions at bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions (see 15.03 post) as terror attacks aimed at wrecking peace negotiations.

“They [Ukraine] are asking for a summit meeting,” Putin said.

But he went on to ask how such meetings can be held “in these conditions” after Ukraine’s latest attacks.

“What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?” he added.

Ukraine would no doubt reply that Putin did not mention the fact his forces continue to launch air strikes and drone attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities – which would also suggest the Russian side aren’t ready for serious peace talks.

At least seven people were killed and 122 were injured after two rail bridges in regions bordering Ukraine collapsed late on Saturday, the chair of the Investigative Committee of Russia has said.

He also said five improvised explosives were detonated at the Kerch Bridge in the annexed Crimea region.

Ukraine also launched a surprise attack on multiple Russian airbases on Sunday, hitting more than 40 bombers deep inside the country.

It said the attack was targeting military aircraft responsible for carrying out strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities, with Russia recently ramping up its strikes.

Monday, April 28, 2025. 8:51 AM EST

The Cipher Brief curates open source information from around the world that impacts national security. Here’s a look at today’s headlines, broken down by region of the world.

THE TOP HEADLINES Report for Monday, April 28, 2025 Trump urges Russia to stop attacks, says Zelensky might cede Crimea The Russian Military Moves That Have Europe on Edge Iran says ‘extremely cautious’ on success of nuclear talks with US Indian and Pakistani Soldiers Briefly Exchange Fire Along Kashmir Border China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES Assessing the Dangers of a ‘New Nuclear Age.’ The Cipher Brief interviewed three experts on the dangers of a “new nuclear age.” Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of The New Nuclear Age, warned that nuclear weapons have returned to the center of global politics, driven by China’s rapid arsenal expansion and Russia’s nuclear threats. Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, former U.S. Special Envoy to the Six-Party Talks with North Korea, noted rising nuclear ambitions in Poland, South Korea, and Japan amid doubts about U.S. security assurances. John Erath, Senior Policy Director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, emphasized the reversal of disarmament trends and warned that building more nuclear weapons may not increase security. The experts agreed the Ukraine war, U.S. political uncertainty, and China’s buildup have accelerated global proliferation risks. They stressed the urgent need to revive arms control efforts and reinforce nonproliferation frameworks to avoid a dangerous global arms race. The Cipher Brief OPINION–How Tech Can Revive America’s Oldest Asian Alliance . Jennifer Ewbank, former Deputy Director of Digital Innovation at the Central Intelligence Agency, argues that the U.S. must urgently deepen its digital partnership with Thailand to counter China’s growing influence. Ewbank emphasizes that Thailand’s “Thailand 4.0” initiative presents a key opportunity for American investment in cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce infrastructure. She warns that China’s low-cost digital offerings, while attractive, trap nations in long-term dependency. Ewbank advocates for the U.S. to focus on delivering superior innovation, financing models, and long-term value rather than competing on price. She emphasizes the importance of cultural literacy, strategic public-private partnerships, and empowering all sectors of Thai society, including rural communities, with technology. Strengthening digital ties with Thailand, Ewbank concludes, would not only rebuild the U.S.-Thailand alliance but also reinforce democratic leadership across Southeast Asia in the face of authoritarian expansion. The Cipher Brief

THE AMERICAS Trump’s next 100 days to feature trade deals, peace talks, ‘torpedoes,’ officials say. As President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days, the White House is highlighting security and foreign policy challenges ahead. Officials say Trump will push aggressively for trade agreements within 90 days and continue high-stakes peace talks, particularly aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine — though Trump admitted progress remains difficult with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He plans an extended trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to deepen diplomatic and security ties. New executive actions are expected, including a potential travel ban targeting multiple countries. Officials also warned of more undisclosed “torpedoes” in the security and geopolitical arenas. Reuters Pentagon Prepared Briefing for Musk on Top Secret U.S. Weapons for China War. Pentagon officials had prepared a briefing for Elon Musk on 29 highly classified China-related weapons programs, but it was halted after Acting General Counsel Charles Young raised ethics concerns. Confusion over who authorized the disclosure highlighted turmoil under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Although Musk never received the top-secret information, the episode contradicted Trump and Hegseth’s public denials. Critics warned Musk’s commercial ties to China made sharing such secrets inappropriate. Separately, Hegseth faces scrutiny over handling classified information, including sharing Yemen attack plans via private Signal chats. The Pentagon inspector general has opened an investigation into his conduct. Wall Street Journal Hegseth Dismisses Members of Pentagon Advisory Boards. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed members of key Pentagon advisory boards, including the Defense Policy Board and the Defense Science Board, citing a need for “fresh thinking to drive bold changes.” The panels, long sources of independent expertise, will be restaffed, though some members might be retained after review. Elon Musk praised the move as a needed reset. Hegseth’s shake-up follows earlier firings of senior officers and civilian aides, further consolidating his influence over defense policy and strategic planning. Wall Street Journal The Army is preparing a generative AI workspace to improve daily operations . The U.S. Army has launched a “generative AI workspace” called the Army Enterprise LLM Workspace to boost daily operations, using large language models (LLMs) for tasks like reclassifying 300,000 personnel descriptions in just a week—saving an estimated 50,000 hours of human labor. However, AI’s heavy cloud computing demands led to soaring costs. To manage this, the Army is consolidating cloud services under a firm-fixed price contract with Oracle via the Department of Defense’s Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC), which has already cut some program costs by nearly 50%. The reforms aim to enhance security, efficiency, and financial management. Defense One AP-NORC poll shows Elon Musk’s popularity sagging. According to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 33% of U.S. adults have a favorable view of Musk, down from 41% in December. About two-thirds of adults said Musk has too much influence over the federal government, and about half said President Donald Trump has gone too far on reducing the size of the federal workforce, which he delegated to Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. During the campaign, Musk talked about cutting spending by $2 trillion, then lowered his sight to $1 trillion. His goal has recently dropped drastically, to $150 billion, and even then, DOGE has sometimes overstated its progress. Support for Musk falls along party lines: about 2 in 10 independents and about 1 in 10 Democrats view Musk favorably, compared with about 7 in 10 Republicans. Associated Press ANALYSIS–The Conventional Balance of Terror. Facing China’s growing precision missile capabilities, the United States must rethink its conventional deterrence strategy, argue Andrew S. Lim and James D. Fearon. Drawing lessons from Cold War nuclear stability, they propose a “conventional triad”—mobile land-based missile launchers, submarines, and bombers—to survive a Chinese first strike and maintain credible second-strike capabilities. China’s advancements have eroded U.S. dominance, making current U.S. forces, reliant on fixed bases and visible ships, vulnerable. A new conventional triad would mirror Cold War nuclear deterrence by reducing first-strike incentives and stabilizing crisis situations. Though efforts like increased submarine production, bomber development, and autonomous systems are underway, U.S. capabilities must rapidly expand to match China’s growing arsenal. Without such restructuring, U.S. forces risk suffering catastrophic losses in a conflict, undermining both deterrence and long-term strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Building survivable, mobile forces is now essential for preserving U.S. military advantage and credibility. Foreign Affairs Trump Claims He’s Negotiating with China on Trade. China Says Otherwise. President Trump claimed active trade negotiations with China to calm financial markets, but Chinese officials denied any talks were occurring. Trump insisted he had spoken with President Xi Jinping “numerous times,” though he refused to provide evidence. Meanwhile, tariffs he imposed — up to 145% on Chinese imports — have triggered Chinese retaliation and disrupted U.S. businesses. Privately, Trump’s team is alarmed by market sell-offs and economic risks, pushing for a 90-day tariff pause. With his approval ratings slipping, Trump faces pressure to de-escalate without appearing weak, but Beijing believes it can outlast U.S. economic pain. New York Times Trump says American ships should travel through the Panama and Suez canals for free. President Donald Trump said Saturday that American military and commercial ships should travel through the Panama Canal and Suez Canal free of charge. “I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Reuters Politico EU Bloomberg N.Y.P.D. launches probe into reports that 2 women were assaulted by pro-Israeli mob. During intense protests last week in Brooklyn, sparked by a visit by far-right Israeli official Itamar Ben-Gvir, pro-Israel counter protesters allegedly assaulted two women, injuring one and hurling racist and sexist profanities. Clashes erupted outside the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, with videos showing a crowd of hundreds of men and boys surrounding a 29-year-old woman, chanting slogans like “death to Arabs” and throwing objects at her. Six people were detained, with one facing assault charges. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence and urged the victims to aid the investigation. New York Times Reuters Suspects Arrested in Theft of Homeland Secretary Noem’s Handbag. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse from a Washington, D.C. restaurant. One man was arrested in D.C., and another in Miami Beach. The stolen bag contained Noem’s ID, passport, DHS badge, cash, and personal items, officials said Sunday. Axios Bloomberg Trump Is Aiming for Big Concessions on Trade; Carney Warns Canada Voters. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that U.S. President Donald Trump will push for “major concessions” and takes seriously Trump’s claim he wants Canada to become the 51st U.S. state. “America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us,” Carney said while campaigning ahead of Monday’s election. Carney emphasized Canada’s urgent need to forge stronger global alliances given its economic dependence on U.S. trade. Bloomberg Poll: Canadians despise Trump and distrust US. A new POLITICO/Focaldata poll shows that President Donald Trump is deeply unpopular in Canada, with 75% of Canadians disliking him and nearly half viewing the U.S. as hostile. This backlash has hurt Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose early polling lead has evaporated ahead of Monday’s election. Liberal leader Mark Carney now holds a slight edge, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. Carney is seen as better suited to manage relations with Trump, boosting his favorability. Though Conservatives still appeal on cost-of-living issues, Trump’s influence has triggered a surge in Canadian patriotism, benefiting the Liberals. Politico 11 killed as a vehicle plows into a Filipino street festival in Vancouver. Police rule out terrorism. Kai-ai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was charged with second-degree murder after allegedly ramming his SUV into a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver on April 26, killing 11 people and injuring dozens. Authorities ruled out terrorism, citing Lo’s mental health history. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled campaign events to mourn the victims. Associated Press Bloomberg Reuters Trump touts arrest of 100 suspected undocumented immigrants at Colorado club . Over 100 suspected undocumented immigrants were arrested during a federal raid on an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, where authorities also seized guns, methamphetamine, and pink cocaine. DEA officials said the club had ties to gangs like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hells Angels, and alleged activities included drug trafficking and prostitution. Some active-duty service members from Fort Carson were involved. President Trump praised the raid, linking it to broader immigration enforcement efforts, despite data showing that immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. On social media, Trump hailed the “big Raid” on “some of the worst people illegally in our Country — Drug Dealers, Murderers, and other Violent Criminals, of all shapes and sizes.” He added, “judges don’t want to send them back to where they came from,” referencing the administration’s ongoing battles with the Supreme Court. Critics have condemned the developments, arguing that such raids spotlight rare cases while ignoring broader immigration realities. Axios Trump officials defend recent deportations involving American citizen children . Trump administration officials have defended their immigration crackdown after reports emerged that U.S. citizen children were deported alongside their undocumented mothers to Honduras. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and border czar Tom Homan insisted that the children themselves were not deported, claiming the mothers chose to take them. “If someone is in this country unlawfully, illegally, that person gets deported. If that person is with a 2-year-old child . . . and says, I want to take my child … with me, well, then what?” stated Rubio. “Those children are U.S. citizens. They can come back into the United States if there’s their father or someone here who wants to assume them,” he said. Advocacy groups, however, accused authorities of misleading the public, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement ignored requests to let the children stay with U.S. caregivers and denied the mothers legal options or communication. The incident has sparked renewed criticism over family separations and the treatment of U.S. citizen children in immigration enforcement. Axios New York Times Bloomberg NBC News Trump to Sign Order Requiring Nationwide List of Sanctuary Cities and States. President Trump plans to sign an executive order on Monday requiring a nationwide list of sanctuary cities and states that don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Jurisdictions identified could face funding cuts and lawsuits. The Justice Department will also be directed to pursue civil rights cases against states offering benefits to undocumented immigrants over U.S. citizens. The move follows legal setbacks against Trump’s earlier efforts to penalize sanctuary cities through executive orders. Wall Street Journal Reuters

THE MIDDLE EAST Israeli jets strike Beirut’s southern suburbs for the third time since a ceasefire began. Israeli jets struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on April 27, 2025, targeting a Hezbollah missile storage facility, marking the third Israeli strike since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in November. Israel issued warnings before the attack, urging residents to evacuate. No casualties were immediately reported. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, warning it threatens regional stability. Hezbollah vowed retaliation if attacks continue, while the U.N. urged restraint to preserve the fragile ceasefire and prevent renewed conflict. Associated Press Euronews Bloomberg 51 deaths reported in Gaza from Israeli strikes, bringing the war’s Palestinian toll to over 52,000. Israeli airstrikes killed 51 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, raising the total death toll from the 18-month Israel-Hamas war to 52,243, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on April 27, 2025. Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, ending a ceasefire, and now controls about 50% of Gaza’s territory. The blockade on food and medicine has continued for nearly 60 days, leaving thousands of children malnourished. Israeli strikes hit multiple civilian sites, killing women and children. Israel says the renewed campaign aims to pressure Hamas to release hostages and blames Hamas for civilian casualties. Associated Press For nearly 60 days, Israel has blocked food from Gaza. Palestinians struggle to feed their families. For nearly 60 days, Israel has blocked all food, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza, leaving 2.3 million Palestinians facing severe shortages. Families survive on canned peas, lentils, and occasional bread, while meat, dairy, and vegetables have vanished from markets. Aid groups warn of mass malnutrition, with thousands of children acutely affected. Charity kitchens are running out of supplies, and prices have skyrocketed. Farmers report collapsing production. Gaza’s devastation from Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, has displaced nearly the entire population. Humanitarian workers warn the blockade is pushing Gaza toward mass starvation. Associated Press Iranian elite grows supportive of nuclear talks as economic fears spike. Iranian elites are increasingly supporting nuclear negotiations with the U.S., driven by fears of economic collapse under prolonged sanctions. Media coverage in Iran, even among hard-liners, now frames the talks as a demonstration of Iranian strength. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are working closely, favoring engagement despite lingering distrust of U.S. intentions. Talks resuming in Oman aim to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, entrenched interests benefiting from the black-market economy oppose normalization. Analysts warn that if talks fail, hardline factions could regain influence and derail future diplomacy. Washington Post Iran says ‘extremely cautious’ on success of nuclear talks with US. Iran and the U.S. agreed to continue nuclear talks next week after a third round of negotiations in Muscat, Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed “extreme caution” about reaching a deal, despite serious and technical discussions. President Trump remains confident a new pact is possible but warned of military action if diplomacy fails. Key sticking points include Iran’s insistence on maintaining uranium enrichment and its missile program as non-negotiable “red lines.” Talks remain difficult and complex, with expert-level meetings shaping a framework. A new high-level meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 3, with continued diplomatic efforts planned. Reuters Axios Bloomberg Netanyahu says Iran’s entire nuclear program must go. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday repeated calls for dismantling Iran’s entire nuclear infrastructure. The United States and Iran have so far held three rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Gulf state Oman. The U.S. wants to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran hopes for relief from U.S. economic sanctions. After talks in Rome earlier this month, Oman said that the U.S. and Iran were pursuing an accord that would see Tehran “completely free” of nuclear weapons and sanctions but “maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.” Netanyahu wants to remove “all of the infrastructure” including that for nuclear energy. Reuters Accidental chemical explosion blamed for massive blast in Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas. A massive explosion at a port in the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbason Saturday killed at least 14 people and injured more than 700, according to state media, and ignited a major fire. The New York Times reported that a person with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that the explosion was caused by sodium perchlorate, a major ingredient in solid fuel for missiles. The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency quoted an official as saying the explosion was likely set off by containers of chemicals, but did not identify the chemicals. The Iranian authorities did not suggest it was sabotage or a deliberate attack. The security firm Ambrey told the Associated Press that there were indications that sodium perchlorate had been improperly stored at the port. TheFinancial Times reported in January that China had supplied the chemical to Iran to restore stocks depleted by Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel. CNN BBC Reuters Associated Press Times of Israel New York Times Putin orders Russian emergency planes to Iran after blast at Bandar Abbas . President Vladimir Putin dispatched several planes to Iran to assist in the search and rescue operation at Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas, Russia’s Emergency Ministry said on Sunday. Putin expressed his condolences over the loss of life and offered to provide help to Iran dealing with the aftermath of a blast, the Kremlin said. The emergency ministry said a Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft specializing in firefighting, as well as an Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane, would be sent to Iran to help out. Reuters U.S. military reports 800 strikes on Houthis, will start limiting disclosure of details on strikes. The U.S. military announced on Sunday that it would not disclose details about its strikes in Yemen, to maintain operational security, while affirming the attacks have had “lethal effects” on Houthi rebels. In a statement, Central Command said, “We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do.” President Trump ordered the intensified strikes last month to counter Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping. Since mid-March, the U.S. has targeted over 800 sites, killing hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders, and destroying key facilities. According to Congressional officials, the relentless air campaign, called Operation Rough Rider, has cost American taxpayers more than $1 billion so far. Rights groups and Democratic senators have voiced concerns about civilian casualties, and military planners have expressed worries over the rate of munitions use. Meanwhile, the Houthis continue at tracking ships, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Washington denies responsibility for a deadly explosion near a UNESCO site in Sanaa. Reuters New York Times BBC Yemeni Houthis claim to have recovered 68 bodies following U.S. strike on Saada . A U.S. airstrike on a detention center in Yemen’s Houthi-held Saada province reportedly killed 68 people and wounded 47, according to Houthi-run media. The facility was housing 115 African migrants. This strike comes amid intensified U.S. military operations under President Trump targeting Iran-backed Houthis, including a previous deadly strike on a Red Sea fuel terminal. Reuters Israel says it intercepted a missile fired by Houthi militants. Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile toward Israel on Sunday, which Israel intercepted before it crossed into its territory. The Houthis claimed they targeted Israel’s Nevatim air base with a hypersonic missile. Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes in Houthi-controlled Sanaa killed two people and injured ten others, including women and children. Associated Press Syrian letter delivers response to U.S. conditions for sanctions relief. Syria has formally responded to U.S. conditions for potential sanctions relief, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Damascus pledged not to threaten Israel, detailed efforts to dismantle chemical weapons stockpiles, and committed to locating missing Americans, but showed limited progress on removing foreign fighters from leadership posts and permitting U.S. counterterrorism strikes. Syria’s interim government framed some demands as needing “mutual understandings.” While Syria addressed five of the eight U.S. conditions, others remain unresolved. U.S. officials are reviewing the response but have not formally reacted. The Syrian letter expressed hope for talks leading to eased sanctions and reopened embassies. Reuters Saudi Arabia, Qatar will repay war-torn Syria’s debt to the World Bank. Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced on Sunday that they will pay Syria’s nearly $15 million debt to the World Bank, aiming to help restart the financial institution’s support for the country after 14 years. This move comes in the wake of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, and the subsequent rise of new leadership backed by Riyadh and Doha. Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the assistance, which could facilitate future reconstruction efforts estimated to cost up to $400 billion. Although Western sanctions against Syria largely remain, some U.S., EU, and UK restrictions have been eased, allowing limited economic engagement with the fledgling government. Associated Press Financial Times Bloomberg Al Jazeera Syria’s leader rejects Kurdish demands for a decentralized, democratic state. Syria’s Kurdish groups, meeting Saturday in Qamishli, called for a decentralized, democratic Syria that guarantees Kurdish national rights following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Backed by the U.S., Kurdish leaders, including the Syrian Democratic Forces and Democratic Union Party, demanded a constitution that protects ethnic rights, human rights, and women’s participation in government. However, on Sunday, interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa firmly rejected these demands, warning that decentralization efforts threaten Syria’s unity. “The unity of Syrian territory and its people is a red line,” his office stated. Sharaa’s government, dominated by Islamist factions, insists that Kurdish calls for federalism or autonomy are unacceptable without national consensus. Although Kurdish groups agreed to merge some governance structures with Damascus last month, tensions remain high, as Kurds fear their cultural and political gains made during Syria’s civil war could be undone in the post-Assad transition. Associated Press Reuters A look at the PLO’s new vice president, Hussein al-Sheikh. Hussein al-Sheikh, a close aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has been named vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization, positioning him as the front-runner to succeed the 89-year-old Abbas. A veteran politician from Ramallah, al-Sheikh holds significant influence through his control of civilian affairs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Though controversial at home, he has strong ties to Israel, Gulf countries, and the U.S., recently meeting with President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Saudi Arabia. His succession is not guaranteed; the PLO’s executive committee must ultimately choose a permanent president after Abbas’ departure, amid competition from other rivals. Associated Press

ASIA & OCEANIA US in contact with both India and Pakistan; urges work toward ‘responsible solution.’ After an April 22 militant attack killed over two dozen people in Indian-administered Kashmir, the U.S. on Sunday urged India and Pakistan to work toward a “responsible solution.” Washington expressed strong support for India without blaming Pakistan, amid rising border clashes and India’s calls for military retaliation. ​​Reuters Times of India China calls for restraint as India, Pakistan exchange small arms fire. China on Monday urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint following escalating tensions along the Kashmir border. Beijing welcomed all measures aimed at cooling down the situation, calling for stability in the region amid rising military actions and retaliatory steps taken by both nuclear-armed neighbors after recent violence. Reuters Indian and Pakistani Soldiers Briefly Exchange Fire Along Kashmir Border. India and Pakistan briefly exchanged fire along the Kashmir border days after militants killed 26 people, mostly tourists, near Pahalgam. The skirmish late last week, which caused no casualties, follows rising tensions, with India accusing Pakistan of “cross-border linkages” and downgrading diplomatic ties, while Pakistan denies involvement and imposed retaliatory measures, including closing its airspace to Indian carriers. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to track down those responsible, while Pakistan’s Senate condemned India’s accusations. Acknowledging a security lapse, Indian officials demolished homes of suspected militants. The United Nations has urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. New York Times Deutsche Welle Al Jazeera France 24 India test-fires missiles as hostilities mount with Pakistan. The Indian navy test-fired long-range precision missiles on Sunday, as tensions with Pakistan escalated following a brutal terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. On X, the Navy said its “ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to re-validate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems, and crew for long-range precision offensive strike.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, vowed harsh retaliation to the attack, and Pakistan warned of its nuclear capabilities, heightening fears of conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. The Guardian New Delhi inks $7.4 billion deal to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets . India on Monday signed a $7.41 billion deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, expanding its current fleet of 36 Rafales operated by the Air Force. The deal, approved earlier this month by Prime Minister Modi’s security cabinet, supports the nation’s efforts to modernize its military, reduce reliance on Russian equipment, and strengthen defenses along its borders with Pakistan and China. It also continues India’s longstanding military partnership with France, which has included purchases of Mirage 2000 jets and Scorpene-class submarines. Reuters Naval News Explosion at peace gathering in Pakistan’s South Waziristan kills 7. Police said a devastating explosion during a meeting of a local peace group in the Pakistani region of South Waziristan killed at least 7 people on Monday. The blast reportedly collapsed one part of a building. A police officer said it is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack. Reuters 54 militants attempting to sneak into Pakistan from Afghanistan killed by Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistani military on Sunday announced that security forces killed 54 militants who attempted to cross from Afghanistan into North Waziristan, marking one of the deadliest operations in recent years. The military said the militants, who were linked to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), were directed by “foreign masters” to launch attacks inside Pakistan, hinting at Indian involvement without explicitly naming it. Officials praised the operation for preventing possible terrorist attacks. Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of using recent violence in Kashmir to distract from Pakistan’s security challenges. Violence from the TTP and Baloch separatists continues to affect Pakistan despite government efforts. Associated Press France 24 China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea. China has seized Sandy Cay, a small but strategically significant reef near the Philippines’ Thitu Island in the South China Sea, unfurling a Chinese flag to assert sovereignty. The move, reported by CCTV, marks Beijing’s first official occupation of an unclaimed feature in years and coincides with U.S.-Philippine military drills. The White House called the action “deeply concerning.” Although China’s coastguard left after the flag ceremony, experts warn the symbolic move pressures the Philippines and raises risks of future clashes. On Sunday, Manila said that its forces landed on three sandbanks and displayed the national flag in a pose that mocked China’s photo, reaffirming their country’s claim. Sandy Cay’s 12-nautical-mile territorial sea overlaps with Philippine-claimed waters, further straining regional stability amid rising U.S.-China tensions. Financial Times BBC South China Morning Post The Japan Times The Independent Bloomberg China attempting to influence Philippine elections, says security official. A Philippine national security official has accused Beijing of trying to influence his country’s upcoming midterm elections after China declared sovereignty over Sandy Cay, an uninhabited reef in the fiercely disputed South China Sea. Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya called the timing of the development suspicious and denied China’s claim that it had seized the Pag-asa cays. “Pag-asa cays” is Manila’s term for the collection of small sandbars near the island of Pag-asa, also known internationally as Thitu Island, in the Spratly Islands. China’s move, reported by state media, further escalates tensions in the disputed region. Bloomberg Reuters Chinese cabinet greenlights nuclear power plant in eastern Zhejiang . China’s cabinet has approved the phase 3 expansion of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, according to state media. During the same meeting on Sunday, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, officials also passed a draft law aimed at strengthening the country’s medical security and improving medical supply systems. Reuters Amid Trump tariffs, China’s trade and economy tsar steps into spotlight. As U.S.-China trade tensions escalate under Trump’s new tariffs, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has emerged as a key figure overseeing Beijing’s economic response. A longtime confidant of Xi Jinping, He initially underwhelmed foreign investors but has recently gained confidence, impressing some Western executives with his command of economic policy. While not a policy innovator, He defends China’s export-driven growth and trade surplus strategy. He will likely lead any future tariff negotiations, though Washington insists talks must involve Xi directly. He’s viewed as loyal to Xi’s directives, prioritizing state-led growth over market liberalization amid China’s mounting economic challenges. Reuters U.S. forces deploy anti-ship missiles in Philippines and stage live-fire drills near China hotspots. The U.S. military deployed an anti-ship missile system to the Philippines’ Batan Island for the first time on Sunday, during large-scale joint exercises near Taiwan and the South China Sea. About 9,000 American and 5,000 Filipino troops, plus allies, staged live-fire drills, escalating tensions with China. U.S. officials said the drills strengthen Philippine defense, while China denounced them as provocative. The exercises highlight growing U.S. commitment to regional security amid rising confrontation with Beijing. Associated Press U.S., Philippine troops shoot down drones in joint defense drills. U.S. and Philippine troops shot down drones with Stinger missiles during live-fire drills on Sunday as part of the Balikatan exercises amid rising tensions with China. Over 14,000 troops are participating. The drills, held in Zambales province facing the South China Sea, focus on joint national defense. Reuters Trump administration game-planning for potential North Korea talks. The Trump administration is quietly preparing for potential renewed talks with North Korea, consulting experts and holding internal discussions, Axios reported April 27, 2025. While no summit is imminent, Trump remains interested in reconnecting with Kim Jong-un. Officials acknowledge the situation has changed significantly, with North Korea now enshrining its nuclear status and strengthening ties with Russia. Closed-door meetings have considered possible diplomatic channels and interlocutors. Experts warn Kim is unlikely to negotiate denuclearization, though talks on arms control may be possible. Trump faces diminished leverage compared to his first term, as China shows little willingness to pressure Pyongyang. Axios North Korean leader Kim touts new naval destroyer, blames US for tensions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer on Friday, calling it a major step to expand his nuclear military’s range and preemptive strike capabilities. Kim blamed U.S. and allied military exercises for rising tensions and vowed a decisive response. He also reaffirmed ambitions for a nuclear-powered submarine. Meanwhile, Kim’s foreign policy has pivoted toward Russia, raising concerns he could gain economic aid and advanced military technology to bolster his arsenal. Associated Press South Korea’s liberal leader Lee wins party nomination to run for president. Lee Jae-myung, former leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party, won the party’s presidential nomination on Sunday, and will contest the June 3 snap election triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster. Leading in opinion polls, Lee vowed to “unite people,” restore democracy, and boost economic growth. His nomination marks a comeback after past legal troubles. Lee will face the ruling People Power Party’s candidate, to be chosen on May 3, amid a tense political climate. Bloomberg Associated Press Singapore politicians issue warnings against foreign interference in election. Singapore’s political leaders warned against foreign meddling in the upcoming elections, citing attempts by foreign actors, including a Malaysian political party, to influence voters. At political rallies over the weekend, both ruling and opposition leaders condemned external involvement, emphasizing that Singapore’s politics must remain independent. The government ordered Meta to remove Facebook ads linked to foreign sources under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act, passed in 2021. Authorities also flagged individuals connected to Malaysian politics and past extremist activities. Concerns were raised about misinformation spread by foreign bots as the nine-day election campaign moves toward the May 3 vote. Bloomberg

AFRICA US oversees peace pledge for Congo’s restive east, amid efforts to ease access to critical minerals . Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week oversaw Congo and Rwanda signing a pledge to pursue peace and improve security in eastern Congo, aiming to secure U.S. access to critical minerals like cobalt, gold, diamond and copper. The Trump administration views this as part of a broader shift toward foreign policies that directly benefit U.S. strategic and financial interests. On Friday, Rubio asserted that peace “will open the door for greater U.S. and broader Western investment, which will bring about economic opportunities and prosperity.” Although Congo and Rwanda hope Washington’s involvement will stabilize the volatile region, concerns remain that it could worsen violence, exploitation, and corruption. Civil society reactions in Congo are mixed, with hopes for peace tempered by skepticism about U.S. motives and fears of government mismanagement. If successful, the deal could bring economic growth; if not, it risks becoming another failed foreign intervention. Associated Press 12 soldiers killed in attack by gunmen in western Niger border village . Twelve soldiers were killed in western Niger on Friday when armed men launched a surprise attack near Sakoira, a village close to the Mali and Burkina Faso borders. The army blamed “terrorists” for the assault but did not name a group, though the area has seen frequent violence from jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. After recent military coups, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali ousted French forces, turned to Russian mercenaries, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States. Despite these moves, violence in the Sahel has worsened, with record attacks and civilian deaths. Associated Press The Defense Post Reuters Gabon confirms Oligui Nguema, who orchestrated 2023 coup, won presidential election . Gabon’s Constitutional Court on April 25 confirmed that Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the 2023 coup that toppled a five-decade political dynasty, won the April 12 presidential election with nearly 95% of the vote. He defeated seven opponents, with former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze finishing second with just 3%. Allegations of state resource misuse surfaced, but the government denies them. Voter turnout was officially reported at about 70%, lower than initial figures. This was Gabon’s first election since ending the 50-year political regime, and Oligui Nguema is set to be inaugurated on May 3 for a seven-year term. Associated Press

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS Trump Promised a Markets Boom. 100 Days In, Stocks Have Only Seen Damage. Despite President Donald Trump’s promise of a market boom, the S&P 500 has fallen about 8% during his first 100 days, marking the worst start for a U.S. president since Gerald Ford. Volatility surged due to Trump’s sweeping tariffs and trade wars, unsettling investors. Wall Street faces continued uncertainty, with defensive strategies rising and equity forecasts slashed. Analysts warn that persistent trade policy confusion is weighing on business investment, consumer spending, and corporate earnings growth. Bloomberg Trump’s team brushes off economic concerns ahead of 100-day mark. As President Donald Trump nears the 100-day mark of his second term, new polls show sharp declines in his economic approval ratings, with just 39% backing his strategy and over 70% of Americans viewing the economy as “not so good” or “poor.” Despite this, Trump officials dismiss concerns, defending the administration’s aggressive tariffs as part of a long-term plan to realign the economy and lower taxes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Trump’s approach “strategic uncertainty,” arguing it strengthens U.S. leverage in trade talks. Trump plans to celebrate the milestone with a rally in Michigan on Tuesday. Politico EU China’s Huawei Develops New AI Chip, Seeking to Match Nvidia. Huawei is preparing to test its new Ascend 910D AI chip, aiming to rival Nvidia’s H100 despite U.S. sanctions. The move highlights the resilience of China’s semiconductor industry, as Huawei advances its technology by integrating multiple silicon dies to boost performance. Although the 910D is less power-efficient than Nvidia’s chip, Huawei is already shipping hundreds of thousands of its earlier 910B and 910C models to Chinese tech firms. Washington’s new restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chips have created an opportunity for Huawei, though manufacturing bottlenecks and access to advanced chip-making equipment remain major obstacles. Wall Street Journal Reuters Israel’s AI Experiments in Gaza War Raise Ethical Concerns. Israel’s war in Gaza has accelerated the battlefield use of artificial intelligence, raising ethical concerns. After the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, Israeli intelligence rapidly deployed AI tools, including an audio analysis system that helped locate and kill Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari—at the cost of over 125 civilian lives. Israel also used AI for facial recognition, Arabic-language chatbots, and automated target selection with mixed accuracy, leading to mistaken arrests and civilian casualties. Many innovations came from “The Studio,” an AI hub staffed by Unit 8200 soldiers and reservists from tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Officials acknowledge AI provided critical military advantages but warn of grave ethical risks without human oversight. Israel’s unprecedented real-time battlefield testing of AI offers a glimpse into future warfare but also into the dangers of using evolving technologies without sufficient safeguards, according to Israeli and American defense sources. New York Times Jerusalem Post Times of Israel Sam Altman: AI privacy safeguards can’t be established before ‘problems emerge. ’ Speaking at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) summit in Washington, D.C., OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that AI privacy safeguards can’t be fully designed before “problems emerge.” He called for a “dynamic response,” arguing that real-world impacts must guide regulation. Altman noted a major gap: people often share personal, sensitive information with AI models, yet there are no confidentiality protections similar to doctor-patient privilege. “Society will have to come up with a new sort of framework,” he said, stressing that tight, rapid feedback loops — not preemptive rules — are key to responsibly managing AI’s evolving risks. The Record The Jobs That Will Fall First As AI Takes Over the Workplace. Artificial intelligence could automate or transform up to 60% of jobs by 2050, with major disruption hitting data entry, customer service, bookkeeping, basic legal research, and media first. Experts like Ray Dalio and Jamie Dimon warn white-collar roles in finance, law, and tech will face accelerated restructuring by 2035. Creative storytelling, senior leadership, healthcare, education, and hands-on trades like construction are more resistant, requiring human judgment and emotional intelligence. To survive the shift, workers must invest in critical thinking, digital fluency, and AI-adjacent skills while pushing for retraining programs to keep pace with rapid technological change. Forbes CISA gets new second-in-command: Madhu Gottumukkala . Madhu Gottumukkala has been appointed deputy director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), leaving his role as South Dakota’s chief information officer and commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunication. He will officially depart on May 16. Gottumukkala, a Dakota State University graduate, will step into the position previously held by Nitin Natarajan throughout President Biden’s term. Meanwhile, Sean Plankey, nominated for CISA director, awaits a Senate hearing, currently delayed by Senator Ron Wyden. Cyberscoop Cybersecurity Dive Federal cyber officials say AI accelerates analysis work for humans. Federal cybersecurity officials said they are using, or considering using, artificial intelligence to speed up tasks traditionally handled by human analysts. AI is helping with administrative work like compliance checks and faster data analysis, allowing analysts to focus on more complex issues. Officials from the Air Force and State Department highlighted AI’s role in modernizing operations and managing large volumes of data. While AI enhances defensive capabilities, it is recognized as a double-edged sword in cybersecurity, capable of aiding both defense and offense. Cyber Command noted AI now dramatically speeds up network traffic analysis that once took days. Cyberscoop North Korean hackers spread malware via bogus crypto firms, job interview lures . North Korean-linked hackers responsible for the “Contagious Interview” campaign have set up fake cryptocurrency consulting companies to distribute malware through fraudulent job interviews. Using front companies like BlockNovas, Angeloper Agency, and SoftGlide, they spread malware families such as BeaverTail, InvisibleFerret, and OtterCookie. The hackers used social media platforms, fake employee profiles, and AI-generated images to lure victims, and targeted cryptocurrency wallets and sensitive data. Some operations were traced to Russian IP addresses near North Korea’s border, suggesting possible cooperation between North Korean and Russian entities. U.S. authorities have seized related domains as part of a crackdown. The Hacker News Iran says it repelled massive cyber attack . Iran said it repelled a major cyberattack on its infrastructure on Sunday, just a day after a large explosion damaged its key port of Bandar Abbas and nuclear talks with the U.S. concluded in Oman. Iranian officials provided few details but called the attack one of the most complex they had faced. Iran has previously blamed Israel for similar cyberattacks, amid ongoing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Reuters Africa’s biggest telecom warns of cyber incident. MTN Group, a major South African telecommunications company, announced last week that it suffered a cyberattack that exposed the personal information of an unspecified number of customers. While MTN assured that its core systems remain secure, it has notified law enforcement across the countries it operates in. The company, which serves over 200 million subscribers, has not disclosed what data was accessed or who was responsible. No group has claimed the attack yet. This incident follows a wave of cyberattacks on South African companies, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity challenges in the country. The Record Bleeping Computer New Zealand to introduce new regulations for space-related infrastructure by July. New Zealand will implement new legislation by July to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, aiming to prevent foreign interference, Space Minister Judith Collins announced. The move follows intelligence warnings that foreign entities tried to establish facilities that could support military activities harmful to New Zealand. The new rules will require operators to meet strict security and due diligence standards. While China was not directly named, it was noted as a complex concern. The legislation reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to national security as part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Reuters RNZ