“Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends,” Rutte said in prepared remarks for a speech at Chatham House in London.

“We must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defense plans in full.”

Rutte urged NATO members to boost air and missile defense by 400%, citing lessons from Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.

Russia has been repeatedly targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones of different types. Most recently, on June 9, Russia launched 499 drones and missiles during its massive overnight attack across Ukraine.

Kyiv has been consistently calling on its allies to boost air defense support.

“We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,” Rutte added, according to Bloomberg.

Rutte is pushing for NATO countries to adopt a new military spending target of 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032, alongside an additional 1.5% of GDP for security-related projects such as cyber defense and border control. The proposal comes after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense.

Rutte’s remarks follow his earlier warning during an April visit to the White House, where he met with Trump. There, he reiterated that NATO views Russia as a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security.

“We all agree, in NATO, that Russia is the long-term threat to NATO territory, to the whole of the Euro-Atlantic territory,” Rutte stated after those talks.

The Trump administration diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally promised to Kyiv to American forces in the Middle East, president Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The Ukrainian leader said that the missiles, originally secured in a deal under the Biden administration, were meant to counter Moscow’s Shahed drones, which have played a key role in Russia’s mass bombardment of the country.

“We have big problems with Shaheds,” Zelensky told ABC News’ This Week, in reference to the Iranian-designed drones. “We counted on this project — 20,000 missiles. Anti-Shahed missiles. It was not expensive, but it’s a special technology.”

Zelensky and Trump during a meeting at the Vatican (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office)

The weapons were instead diverted to American forces in the Middle East as the US braces for possible conflict with Iran over a stalled nuclear agreement, The Wall Street Journal reported last week.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly issued an “urgent” call to redirect the weapons last Wednesday.

Hegseth’s order coincided with his absence from the most recent Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting – the first time a defence chief has missed the conference since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

He previously warned European allies that they must provide a greater share of future military assistance to Kyiv. The US halted all new packages of military aid to Ukraine in March this year.

Firefighters work at the site of a building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv (REUTERS)

Meanwhile, Russia continued its bombardment of Ukraine on Monday, with Kyiv’s air force reporting that almost 500 drones and missiles were launched at them overnight.

With more than 479 drones and 20 missiles launched, it is the biggest overnight attack of the war so far.

Ukraine could be pounded by more than 500 drones per night as the Kremlin is reportedly building new launch sites, according to The Kyiv Independent.

A security source told the Ukrainian publication that Russia’s production rate of Shahed-type Gerans had increased to 70 units per day, up from a reported 21 a day last year, as Moscow plans to add 12-15 new launch sites to their operation.

Zelensky told ABC News’ Martha Raddatz that people didn’t realise “we are under strikes, under attack every day. And you might remember that when they were talking about ceasefires, temporary ceasefire[s], they still continued attacking and launching strikes.”

He added that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was clearly uninterested in peace, reaffirming that only “hard pressure” from global leaders – including the US – would prompt Putin to think pragmatically.

“Then they will stop the war,” He said. “I am convinced that the president of the United States has all the powers and enough leverage to step up.”

Russian forces launched one of the largest aerial assaults of the war overnight on Monday, June 9, sending at least 479 attack drones across Ukraine in a massive multi-pronged attack.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, air defenses shot down 292 of Russia’s 499 aerial attack vehicles during the June 8–9 assault, including 277 Shahed drones and 20 missiles.

Electronic warfare systems disabled an additional 187 drones and missiles by jamming or disrupting their guidance, preventing them from reaching their intended targets.

Ukraine’s air force said its air defense units responded quickly with intercepts and tracking systems. The strike marked a sharp escalation in Russia’s air campaign as fighting intensified on multiple fronts.

Why did Poland scramble jets near the border?

Polish and allied fighter jets scrambled early Monday after Russia launched airstrikes targeting western Ukraine, prompting concern in NATO-member Poland.

Poland’s military command said it activated radar and missile defense units and placed air defense on high alert. Although no airspace violations occurred, the Polish response aimed to secure regions near the border, according to a translated statement.

The jets returned to regular duty later that morning. Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, has routinely monitored air activity since the war began in 2022.

Where are Russian ground forces advancing?

Russia reported advances toward east-central Ukraine, including Dnipropetrovsk, a region that had more than 3 million residents prior to the war.

In the east, Russian troops are also approaching Kostyantynivka in Donetsk from several directions, aiming to gain ground near key supply routes, according to Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Zaporozhets.

In the north, Russian forces are closing in on Sumy, nearly three years after being pushed out. Independent monitors confirmed Russia’s claim of retaking the village of Loknia, near the Sumy border, according to reporting by The Guardian.

What is the status of prisoner exchanges?

Tensions remain high over the return of prisoners and the remains of war casualties. Russia has accused Ukraine of delaying the exchange of 12,000 bodies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied the charge, saying Russia has not shared the names of more than 1,000 Ukrainian captives.

Zelenskyy described the situation as another attempt by Moscow to manipulate humanitarian processes for political gain. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to continuing exchange negotiations despite the deadlock in broader peace talks.

Russia has launched 479 drones against Ukraine in the biggest overnight drone bombardment of the three-year war, according to the Ukrainian air force.

The air force said early on Monday that it had downed 460 drones as well as 19 missiles launched overnight.

Russia’s continued to step up its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, despite declaring, under pressure from United States President Donald Trump, that it is interested in pursuing peace talks. The record launch came just ahead of the start of a prisoner swap agreed at recent talks between the pair.

Of the hundreds of projectiles fired at numerous targets, only 10 reached their destination, Kyiv officials said. One person was reported injured.

Russia’s escalation of aerial attacks has been matched by a renewed battlefield push in the eastern and northeastern parts of the roughly 1,000km (621-mile) front line in occupied parts of Ukraine.

The onslaught follows a secretive Ukrainian drone attack that damaged several Russian bombers parked at airbases deep inside the country in what was an embarrassment for the Kremlin and, according to Kyiv, a palpable hit on its ability to strike across the border with missiles.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said one target of Kyiv’s strike was the Dubno airbase in Ukraine’s Rivne region, which hosts tactical aviation aircraft.

The mayor of the western city of Rivne, Oleksandr Tretyak, said the overnight drone launch was “the largest attack” on his region since the start of the war.

Prisoner swap

Late on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conceded that in some areas targeted by the Russian offensive, “the situation is very difficult”. However, he provided no details.

Ukraine is shorthanded on the front line against its bigger enemy and needs further military support from its Western partners, especially air defences. However, uncertainty about the US policy has led to doubts about how much help Kyiv can count on.

Two recent rounds of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have yielded no breakthroughs beyond pledges to swap thousands of prisoners, including dead and seriously wounded soldiers.

Since the agreement, believed to concern an exchange of around 1,200 prisoners by each, was struck last week, the pair has accused one another of failing to meet their obligations.

However, the first batch of POWs was repatriated on Monday afternoon.

“Today’s exchange has begun. It will be done in several stages in the coming days,” Zelenskyy said on the Telegram app. “Among those we are bringing back now are the wounded, the severely wounded, and those under the age of 25,” he added.

The Russian defence ministry also said the first exchange had been carried out. It did not say how many prisoners had been swapped, but did note that the numbers on each side matched.

The Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday that its forces shot down 49 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions.

Two drones hit a plant specialising in electronic warfare equipment in the Chuvashia region, located more than 600km (373 miles) east of Moscow, officials reported.

Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Russia has targeted both military and civilian areas of Ukraine with Shahed drones. The attacks have killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, according to the United Nations. However, Russia claims it attacks only military targets.

Alexander Gusev, head of Russia’s Voronezh region, said 25 drones had been shot down there overnight, damaging a gas pipeline and sparking a small fire.

The general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces also claimed that its special operations troops struck two Russian jets stationed at the Savasleyka airfield in Russia’s Novgorod region, located some 650km (404 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

The statement did not say how the planes were struck.

8:39 America/New_York Monday, June 9

Report for Monday, June 9, 2025 Tension in Los Angeles flares as California governor seeks National Guard withdrawal

US and China meet for trade talks in London on Monday

Putin unleashes a summer offensive to break Ukraine

Russia’s Spy Hunters Are Suspicious as Putin Moves Closer to China

A powerful, opaque al-Qaeda affiliate is rampaging across West Africa

THE AMERICAS Tension in Los Angeles flares as California governor seeks National Guard withdrawal. Unrest has surged in Los Angeles during anti-deportation protests, sparked by sweeping ICE raids, and further inflamed by President Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Traffic was disrupted, and clashes erupted on Sunday as some protesters turned violent, committing vandalism, torching vehicles, and looting. LAPD and federal agents responded with arrests, tear gas, flash bangs, and other crowd dispersal measures. At least 30 people were arrested over the weekend. Meanwhile, around 60 people were detained in San Francisco on Sunday after protests there escalated. Newsom criticized the federal intervention as unlawful and warned it would worsen tensions, while Trump labeled the tumult “migrant riots” and vowed to ramp up enforcement. The National Guard deployment may expand to include Marines. Critics argue the move violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic policing. ICE has scaled up detentions amid Trump’s promised mass deportations, and California officials accuse the administration of suppressing dissent and undermining state sanctuary laws. BloombergLos Angeles TimesNew York TimesCNNWashington PostCNN ANALYSIS–Trump Jumps at the Chance for a Standoff in California Over Immigration . President Trump has ignited a major political confrontation by deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, amid protests over aggressive immigration raids. The move was last done in 1965, when Lyndon B. Johnson dispatched soldiers to safeguard civil rights demonstrators in Alabama. The action bypasses state authority and is seen by many as an effort to assert federal control and rally Trump’s base. Trump and his aides portrayed the protests as violent uprisings by “illegal aliens and mobs,” while Newsom and other Democrats accused the administration of manufacturing a crisis and escalating tensions for political gain. Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act and warned of broader troop deployments. California officials condemned the move as a political attack on the state, citing threats to strip federal funding and previous punitive measures against state programs. Trump’s actions reflect a broader strategy of using federal power to challenge liberal institutions, while Republicans argue he is protecting national security amid violence. New York Times US and China meet for trade talks in London on Monday . U.S. officials—Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer—are meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in London on June 9 to revive the trade truce struck in Geneva after Trump’s call with Xi JinpingThe agenda focuses on rolling back tariffs and easing China’s rare-earth export curbs that disrupted global supply chains, though broader disputes over semiconductors, fentanyl trafficking, Taiwan, and China’s state-driven economy remain unresolved . Global markets, including oil, stocks, and gold, have reacted cautiously, reflecting investor hope tempered by uncertainty about the reach of any breakthrough The London talks represent a critical moment for de-escalating the escalating economic tension that has weighed on both economies and global sentiment.Reuters Trump signs orders to bolster US drone defenses, boost supersonic flight. President Donald Trump on Friday signed three executive orders aimed at enhancing U.S. drone defenses and revitalizing supersonic air travel. The measures seek to reduce reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers, enable routine commercial drone use beyond visual line of sight, and expand counter-drone technologies to protect critical infrastructure and public events. A federal task force will coordinate drone detection and support local enforcement. The NFL praised the move for improving stadium security. Trump also ordered the FAA to lift the 1973 ban on supersonic flights over land, provided they don’t produce audible sonic booms. This could benefit aerospace firms like Boom Supersonic. While the orders don’t directly ban Chinese drone makers, they build on earlier efforts to curb their influence in U.S. airspace. The actions reflect growing concerns about drone threats and a push to reclaim leadership in next-generation aviation technology. Reuters

The Pentagon Disinformation That Fueled America’s UFO Mythology. A Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that the Pentagon actively spread disinformation about UFOs for decades to conceal secret weapons programs. A 2023 probe uncovered that, as early as the 1980s, military officials used doctored photos and fake alien stories to protect classified aircraft testing, such as the F-117 stealth fighter at Area 51. A now-defunct Pentagon office, AARO, found the military not only allowed UFO myths to flourish but also institutionalized them through hazing rituals involving fake alien tech briefings. Some incidents, like a 1967 missile shutdown in Montana, were later attributed to electromagnetic pulse tests. These efforts, often shrouded in secrecy, fueled public belief in alien cover-ups and even misled many within the military. Despite releasing a 2024 report dismissing alien claims, the Pentagon withheld key details to avoid embarrassment and protect classified programs. As a result, UFO conspiracy theories remain deeply embedded in both public discourse and official ranks. Wall Street Journal Graham wants to punish Russia with ‘bone-crushing’ sanctions. It could backfire. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s proposed Sanctioning Russia Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, seeks to impose 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy — a move Graham describes as “bone crushing” for Russia’s economy. While targeting Moscow’s war funding, the bill could also disrupt U.S. trade with major economies like China, India, and parts of the EU, which still import Russian energy. Though carve-outs are proposed for Ukraine-supporting nations, experts warn the tariffs could spike prices, damage supply chains, and trigger recessionary unemployment. Despite bipartisan support from 82 senators, critics like Sen. Rand Paul call the bill dangerously sweeping. The proposal appears tailored to align with President Trump’s tariff-driven foreign policy style. Trump has signaled conditional support, saying lawmakers await his decision. The bill includes presidential discretion on implementation and may evolve through negotiations with the Trump administration as Congress pushes for tougher pressure on Russia. Politico Xi’s Message to Trump: Rein in the Hawks Trying to Derail the Truce .In a high-stakes phone call with President Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping used a maritime analogy to warn that the Washington-Beijing relationship was like a ship, needing steady leadership to stay on course — and not be derailed by aggressive political hawks. Xi cautioned against letting others “sabotage” the fragile trade truce, a deal that has not managed to stop the exchange of economic measures. The call came as U.S. officials imposed a series of tech and visa restrictions on China, moves that appeared to bypass or undermine the recent agreement. Xi’s message was clear: if Trump wants a workable relationship, he must assert control over his team and stop the hardliners from provoking further conflict. Analysts said Beijing fears that internal divisions in the Trump administration could escalate the standoff, and Xi’s outreach was a strategic move to buy time and reset the tone. The conversation highlighted the power struggle within U.S. policymaking on China. New York Times China Allows Limited Exports of Rare Earths as Shortages Continue . China has begun issuing more export licenses for rare earth magnets, hinting at possible concessions to the European Union, though it remains firm on licensing controls imposed in April. These magnets are vital to major industries like automotive, aerospace, and defense, and China supplies 90% of the global market. The bottleneck has disrupted production in Europe, the U.S., and Japan. While President Trump claimed, after a recent call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, that China agreed to ease exports, Beijing’s official statements made no such promise. Chinese officials instead linked rare earth concessions to broader demands — such as easing EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and lifting export restrictions on high-tech equipment. The Asian giant’s leverage is clear: it controls production of several critical rare earth elements and is using that to pressure Washington and EU in trade negotiations. However, Beijing risks pushing global manufacturers to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China. New York TimesReutersBloomberg China’s rare earth weapon changes the contours of the trade war battlefield. China has long aimed to weaponize its control over key parts of the global supply chain, drawing inspiration from U.S. export controls. That strategy has crystallized in recent months as Beijing imposed strict licensing requirements on rare earth magnets—critical components in everything from electric vehicles to missile systems. Following last week’s phone call between President Trump and Xi Jinping, China has hinted at approving more export licenses, though it shows no intention of dismantling the controls. Modeled on U.S. sanctions, China’s export system gives it deep visibility into supply chains, allowing it to pressure global manufacturers while maintaining plausible deniability. Experts say China’s strategy is not just about exports—it’s about gaining strategic leverage. By regulating rare earth flows, China not only responds to U.S. tariffs and tech restrictions but sharpens a tool that has been decades in the making, using economic dependency as geopolitical power. Reuters U.S. Returns Abrego Garcia From El Salvador to Face Criminal Charges . Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March by the Trump administration, was returned to the U.S. on Friday to face federal charges for smuggling undocumented migrants. His sudden return ends a contentious legal battle over his deportation and could avoid deeper court scrutiny into potential contempt by Trump officials. Abrego Garcia is accused of having links to MS-13, and of transporting undocumented immigrants. He had lived in the U.S. for years as a contractor and father, married to an American citizen. His legal team argues that his return proves the U.S. government had the power to bring him back all along, though the White House repeatedly said it could not. A federal court previously ruled he was denied due process. Prosecutors allege smuggling was his primary income, with a 2022 traffic stop revealing signs of human trafficking. If convicted, he faces severe prison time; 10 years for each person he transported. His trial begins June 13 in Nashville, where he remains in detention. New York TimesWall Street JournalAxiosNBC NewsAssociated Press Missiles, tanks, and rocket launchers to be featured in Trump’s $45 million Army parade . President Trump is planning a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14 to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary — and his 79th birthday. The event will showcase more than 100 military vehicles and aircraft, including rocket launchers, HIMARS systems, tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters, in what Trump envisions as a demonstration of American military strength. Such displays are rare in the U.S. and have sparked criticism over the militarized imagery and potential damage to city streets, with an estimated $45 million price tag — a third of which is slated for post-event street repairs. The parade will feature 7,000 service members and stretch down Constitution Avenue NW, with Trump presiding from a review stand near the White House. While officials emphasize the historic significance of the Army’s founding, critics view the parade as a politically charged spectacle timed for Trump’s birthday. AxiosCNNThe Atlantic Colombian presidential candidate in life-threatening condition after assassination attempt. Sen. Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old Colombian presidential hopeful and grandson of a former president, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head by a 15-year-old gunman during a campaign event in Bogota on Saturday. The attack has revived fears of Colombia’s violent political past. The shooter, who was captured after a brief chase, hinted in a video that he was acting on someone else’s orders. Authorities are investigating and have secured the suspect’s phone. Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in a 1991 kidnapping tied to Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel. The recent surge in armed group violence, fueled by increased cocaine production, has destabilized parts of Colombia, prompting Uribe to blame President Gustavo Petro for failing to maintain security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack as a threat to democracy, while President Petro pledged transparency in the investigation. Uribe’s wife urged Colombians to pray as he fights for his life. Wall Street JournalCNNBBCNew York TimesEconomic Times Ecuador national assembly passes gang-fighting reforms . Ecuador’s National Assembly has approved a major security reform pushed by President Daniel Noboa, granting him expanded legal powers to combat armed criminal groups and drug-trafficking networks. The legislation strengthens the state’s hand in dismantling organized crime, which Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” against earlier this year. The new law allows Noboa to redirect government resources toward security efforts, pardon police and military personnel for actions during operations, and shield them from pre-trial detention. It introduces harsh penalties—up to 30 years—for crimes like fuel theft, which authorities say helps fund gangs, and expands asset seizure powers to allow immediate confiscation without lengthy court processes. Reuters

THE UKRAINE UPDATE Putin unleashes a summer offensive to break Ukraine . Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a major summer offensive aimed at breaking Ukrainian resistance and securing a symbolic victory after months of inconclusive fighting and fruitless ceasefire talks. Russian forces are targeting the eastern town of Kostiantynivka, a logistics hub for Ukrainian troops in Donbas, with up to 25 guided bombs a day and multi-directional assaults. Simultaneously, Russia is advancing in the Sumy region in the north, leveraging drone warfare and massed troop deployments to gain ground. Despite Russia’s manpower advantage—recruiting 10,000–15,000 more men monthly than Ukraine—its advances remain slow and costly. Ukrainian forces retain morale, but concerns are growing as Russia improves in drone technology, with elite units like Rubikon disrupting supply lines deep behind Ukrainian positions. China’s support for Russian drone production has tilted the technological balance. While a front-line collapse appears unlikely, the summer offensive may yield limited Russian gains—enough for Putin to prolong the war unless a new diplomatic window opens after the campaign’s end.The Economist Ukraine Says Russia Launched Biggest Air Assault of the War . Ukraine reported that Russia launched its largest air assault of the war overnight on Monday, firing 499 drones and missiles, including a record-breaking 479 drones. Most were intercepted, but at least 10 strikes landed. One person was killed in Rivne, nine were injured in Sumy, and a private home was damaged near Kyiv. The assault followed Ukraine’s June 1 drone attacks on Russian air bases, which appear to have provoked intensified retaliation. President Zelensky urged civilians to heed air-raid warnings as Russia escalates both aerial and ground attacks, including opening a new front in northern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues long-range drone strikes deep into Russian territory. New York Times Russia advances in east-central Ukraine, northern Sumy. Russia claimed Sunday its forces had reached the edge of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, expanding their offensive beyond Donetsk. Moscow’s Defense Ministry said the 90th Tank Division was pushing westward, while Ukraine reported fierce fighting near Kostyantynivka and confirmed Russia’s attempts to establish a bridgehead for further advances. Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces stated their troops were holding the line and disrupting Russian plans. Separately, Russia has seized over 190 square kilometers of Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region in under a month, according to pro-Ukrainian sources, marking a significant incursion in a previously less-contested area. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged heavy fighting near Pokrovsk and warned Ukrainians to stay alert for intensified airstrikes.ReutersRFE/RL White House Quietly Pressures Senate to Water Down Russia Sanctions. The Trump administration is pressuring Sen. Lindsey Graham to weaken his bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, which currently enjoys support from over 80 senators. The White House seeks more presidential discretion by inserting waivers and changing mandatory language to optional, fearing the bill could harm President Donald Trump’s goal of restoring ties with Moscow. While Graham has acknowledged some changes are likely—such as exemptions for Ukraine’s allies—he has not committed to the broader alterations sought by the administration. Trump stated the bill shouldn’t advance without his approval and labeled it “harsh.” Despite this, congressional leaders from both parties support strong sanctions and believe the bill has enough momentum to pass—even over a potential veto. The House version also has strong bipartisan backing. Critics warn that watering down the bill would make it ineffective, but Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine, say they trust Graham to avoid gutting its core purpose. Wall Street Journal Trump administration redirects 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine, Zelensky confirms. In an interview with ABC News broadcast on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally promised to Ukraine were redirected by the Trump administration to U.S. forces in the Middle East. These missiles, crucial for intercepting Iranian-made Shahed drones, had been agreed upon during President Joe Biden’s term with then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Zelensky emphasized the urgency of these “anti-Shahed” systems amid a surge in Russian drone attacks, including a record 472 drones launched on June 1. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the redirection involved specialized fuses used in the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. Kyiv Independent Germany’s Merz says some US lawmakers have ‘no idea’ of the scale of Russia’s rearmament. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that some U.S. lawmakers are unaware of the scale of Russia’s rearmament, following talks with President Donald Trump in Washington. Speaking in Berlin on Friday, Merz said Russia has shifted its defense industry to 24/7 production, signed arms deals with North Korea and Iran, and increased its 2025 defense budget to Cold War-era levels. He emphasized the threat this poses to NATO and welcomed Trump’s public assurance that the U.S. would not withdraw from the alliance. Merz also backed Trump’s call for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and reaffirmed Germany’s reliance on U.S. military support. Reuters Putin approves big revamp of Russia’s navy, Kremlin aide says. Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a sweeping new naval strategy titled “The Strategy for the Development of the Russian Navy up to 2050,” aimed at restoring Russia’s status as a top global maritime power, according to Kremlin aide Nikolai Patrushev. The plan, finalized in late May, outlines long-term goals amid rising global naval threats and challenges. While specific details remain undisclosed, the strategy comes as Russia boosts defense spending to Cold War-era levels. Despite high-profile naval losses in the Ukraine war, Russia still maintains the world’s third-largest navy, with 222 warships and 79 submarines—14 of them nuclear ballistic missile subs. The Northern Fleet in Severomorsk remains the country’s principal naval force. Reuters US believes Russia’s response to the Ukraine drone attack is not over yet. U.S. officials believe Russia’s full retaliation for Ukraine’s June 1 drone strike on its air bases—dubbed Operation “Spider’s Web”—has not yet occurred and will likely be a large-scale, multi-pronged assault. They expect a mix of missile and drone strikes, possibly targeting symbolic or intelligence-related sites such as the SBU headquarters or defense factories. Russia has already launched a barrage on Kyiv but is expected to intensify attacks soon. A Western diplomat predicted a “huge, vicious, and unrelenting” response. Ukraine’s attack damaged or destroyed up to 20 Russian warplanes, according to U.S. assessments. President Trump said Putin told him retaliation was coming; Trump said he advised against it, warning, “You should stop it.” Reuters ANALYSIS–The biggest damage from Ukraine’s attack was in Putin’s mind. Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” — a precision drone strike deep into Russia that reportedly damaged up to 40 strategic bombers — inflicted greater psychological damage on President Vladimir Putin. While Russia responded with a massive drone and missile barrage on Kyiv and Kharkiv, it achieved little strategic effect, merely underlining Moscow’s limited options. Unlike Ukraine’s creative and precise attacks, Russia’s retaliation was blunt and familiar, failing to hit symbolic targets like the Security Service of Ukraine. The Ukrainian campaign’s ingenuity also disrupted Russia’s internal logistics, forcing widespread inspections of civilian freight. Putin, stung by Western praise for Ukraine’s strike and perhaps eager to appear strong before President Donald Trump, wasted critical munitions on a performative reprisal. Ukraine’s ability to “out-Putin Putin” — with imaginative hybrid warfare and effective covert ops — continues to embarrass Moscow, revealing the Kremlin’s vulnerabilities. This episode underscores how psychological warfare, and political image can shape the battlefield as much as weapons. The Times Ukrainian attack damaged 10% of Russia’s strategic bombers, Germany says. A recent Ukrainian drone strike damaged approximately 10% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, according to German Major General Christian Freuding. The attack, coordinated with AI-trained drones, targeted airfields near Moscow, Murmansk, and Irkutsk, destroying or disabling over a dozen aircraft, including TU-95 and TU-22 bombers and rare A-50 surveillance planes. The U.S. estimates around 20 planes were hit, with 10 destroyed. Some aircraft were reportedly being prepared for strikes on Ukraine. While Russia still retains 90% of its bomber fleet, Freuding noted increased wear and psychological impact. He emphasized that Russia’s previous confidence in geographic security has now been undermined. Reuters Modern Tech and Old-School Spy craft Are Redefining War. Modern warfare is being reshaped by the fusion of advanced technology and classic spy craft, as shown by Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb and Israel’s decapitation strike against Hezbollah. Ukraine’s June 1 drone assault on five deep-inland Russian air bases damaged over 20 aircraft and degraded Moscow’s cruise missile capabilities. Similarly, Israel’s multistage operation, which included booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and dismantled the group’s leadership, shifting regional power and weakening Iran’s influence. Both operations were enabled by years of infiltration and cutting-edge tools like drones, AI, and compact explosives. These asymmetric tactics allow smaller actors to strike powerful foes with minimal costs and high psychological impact, exposing vulnerabilities even in surveillance-heavy states like Russia. Analysts stress that continued success depends on cumulative strategic effects. Ukraine’s innovation is already influencing NATO thinking, signaling a new era where agility and imagination outweigh brute force in shaping modern conflict. Wall Street Journal Russian attacks on Kharkiv kill 4, wound at least 60. Russia launched one of its most intense attacks on Kharkiv since the start of the war early Saturday, killing at least four people and injuring over 60, including a baby. The assault involved drones, missiles, and guided bombs that hit residential areas, schools, infrastructure, and industrial sites. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov called it the most powerful attack on the city to date. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a “brutal murder,” urging global pressure on Russia. Ukraine’s military reported intercepting 87 of 206 drones and nine missiles launched overnight, with 80 more drones diverted or neutralized via electronic warfare. In total, ten locations across Ukraine were hit, as part of a broader Russian campaign that has recently included over 450 drone and missile attacks in 24 hours. Russia is increasingly using Iranian-made Shahed drones and guided bombs in its bombardment strategy along the front lines. Reuters Kyiv IndependentNew York Times Ukraine drone attack on Moscow forces airport closure, Russia says . A Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow early Sunday forced the temporary closure of Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, according to Russian officials. Russia’s air defenses reportedly destroyed nine drones near the capital, with emergency services dispatched to debris sites. No major damage was reported. Separately, drones caused a fire at the Azot chemical plant in Tula, injuring two, and seven more drones were shot down over Kaluga. Ukraine has not commented. The incident comes amid intensifying attacks by both sides and a tentative return to peace talks since the war began in February 2022. Reuters Europe can sustain Ukraine’s war effort without US, German general says. In an interview with Reuters on Friday, German Major General Christian Freuding said Europe, with sufficient political will, could sustain Ukraine’s war effort even if the U.S. halts military support. NATO’s European members and Canada have already surpassed the $20 billion in aid the U.S. provided in 2024, covering around 60% of total Western support. However, replacing U.S. contributions, such as Patriot air defenses and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities, would be difficult. Freuding noted that Russia is expanding its military, aiming to double its ground forces by 2026 and storing surplus ammunition. A ceasefire could allow Russia to accelerate rearmament, potentially threatening NATO by 2029. Germany remains Ukraine’s second-largest donor. Reuters Ukraine’s finance minister: ‘War is like a black box.’ In a wide-ranging interview, Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko reflects on the immense pressures of managing a wartime economy three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion. He recounts the early chaos, including the relocation of key government systems and the occupation of his hometown. Marchenko highlights the struggle to balance budgeting for both military needs and post-war reconstruction while facing declining donor commitments, particularly from the United States. Despite recent tensions, he sees the minerals deal with Washington as a long-term investment opportunity. He calls for tougher sanctions on Russian oil and secondary sanctions on enabling countries. Corruption and shell procurement challenges persist, but Marchenko insists Ukraine maintains transparency for allies. With 26% of GDP going to defense, he expects high military spending post-war. He hopes refugees will return, emphasizing the need for housing and jobs. He draws strength from triathlon training, comparing Ukraine’s resilience to enduring an Ironman race. The war, he says, remains far from over. Bloomberg Ukraine Says It Has Stepped Up Its Drone Game, again. Ukraine has unveiled an innovation in its drone warfare: the Magura V7, a 24-foot remote-controlled sea drone armed with anti-aircraft missiles. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the system recently shot down two Russian Su-30 jets, marking the first known instance of a drone boat downing fighter aircraft. The Magura, which resembles a speedboat, can linger at sea for days, ambush aircraft, and even act as a launch platform for exploding quadcopters. This system is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to adapt and innovate amid escalating Russian attacks. Ukraine has used such drones to sink or damage 16 Russian ships and recently struck airfields deep in Russia using hidden land-launched drones. Military analysts say that while the Magura may not be a game-changer alone, it strengthens Ukraine’s layered, tech-driven defense. Ukraine’s tech talent and improvisation continue to drive unmanned warfare across land, air, and sea in this evolving conflict. New York Times Helping Save Kyiv from Drones: Volunteers, Caffeine and Vintage Guns. Amid intensified Russian drone assaults on Ukraine, Kyiv’s air defense is increasingly reliant not only on advanced Western systems like Patriots but also on civilian volunteers using vintage weapons. A unit based in Pereiaslav, southeast of Kyiv, is among many formed by locals, including teachers and journalists, who use WWII-era machine guns to track and shoot down drones at night. Despite the age of their equipment, the volunteers work in coordination with formal military layers and use digital tools and laser optics to track targets. The Russian attacks now involve hundreds of drones and decoys in coordinated swarms, often flying at altitudes beyond the reach of older guns. These attacks are designed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses before missiles strike. Volunteers bear personal costs for fuel, gear, and food, juggling their jobs with long night shifts. Though often unable to down drones directly, they play a crucial early-warning and tracking role in Ukraine’s overstretched defense network. New York Times

Kyiv rejects Russia’s claims that Ukraine is delaying the exchange of soldiers’ bodies. Ukraine has rejected Russian claims that it is delaying the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of soldiers’ bodies, calling the accusations false and urging Moscow to act constructively. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky alleged Ukraine postponed the handover of bodies and prisoners indefinitely, following agreements made during the second round of peace talks in Istanbul. Ukraine confirmed that a deal on repatriating the bodies of 12,000 fallen soldiers had been reached, but said no specific date was set. It also accused Russia of taking unilateral steps outside the agreed process and submitting prisoner lists that didn’t align with agreed priorities. Reuters Polish president-elect opposes Ukraine’s EU entry. In an interview with Hungarian outlet Mandiner published Saturday, Polish President-elect Karol Nawrocki said he is currently against Ukraine’s entry into the European Union. While affirming support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, Nawrocki emphasized that countries like Poland and Hungary have their own interests, citing concerns over agriculture, logistics, and historical issues such as the exhumation of victims of the Volyn massacre. Nawrocki, elected on June 1 with 50.89% of the vote, opposes Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO, but supports its sovereignty. Unlike other Eurosceptic leaders, he avoids pro-Russian rhetoric but accuses President Volodymyr Zelensky of exploiting Western allies. Kyiv Independent Ukraine’s previous president says he knows how to win over Trump. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is positioning himself as the leader best equipped to manage relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, citing past cooperation during Trump’s first term. Poroshenko claims his experience could help Ukraine regain favor in Washington, especially as President Volodymyr Zelensky’s relationship with Trump deteriorates. Sanctioned over alleged threats to national security, Poroshenko says the restrictions are politically motivated and harm Ukraine’s war effort. He warns that excluding opposition voices risks undermining U.S. and European support. Although eyeing another presidential run, analysts view his chances as slim, noting internal divisions and the rise of military figures like former General Valery Zaluzhny. Poroshenko insists elections should wait for a ceasefire. Washington Post ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment for Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8. SATURDAY– SUNDAY–Kremlin and Russian military officials claimed that Russian forces reached the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border and began offensive actions into Dnipropetrovsk, although Ukraine denies any such breach. Russia accused Ukraine of failing to follow through on an agreed-upon killed-in-action soldier repatriation, though Ukrainian officials say exchanges are still in planning, underscoring Moscow’s bad-faith stance on peacebuilding measures. A Russian official indicated Moscow may end its self-imposed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty missile moratorium, signaling a possible withdrawal from arms control treaties as it prepares for confrontation with NATO. Ukraine reportedly struck the Azot chemical plant in Tula Oblast, which Kyiv says produces explosives for Russia’s war effort. SATURDAY–Russian officials blamed European nations for obstructing peace, alleging Germany and the U.S. are pushing escalation, while reiterating maximalist demands such as regime change in Ukraine and revisions to NATO policy. U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is prepared to use the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 to increase economic pressure if Russia refuses to negotiate or cease hostilities. While increased sanctions are important, analysts stress that sustained Western military aid — especially U.S.-supplied weapons — remains essential to shift President Vladimir Putin’s calculus by escalating Russian battlefield losses. FRIDAY– A senior Ukrainian official reported that Russia intends to seize half of Ukraine by the end of 2026, including all territory east of the Dnipro River and key southern oblasts, though such goals are highly unrealistic given Russia’s current capabilities and the assumption of continued Western aid. Russian objectives suggest a phased campaign to seize the remainder of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by September 2025, establish a northern buffer zone by year’s end, and launch broader offensives across central and southern Ukraine in 2026. Analysts assess that Russia lacks the manpower, operational capability, and mobility to achieve these expansive goals, especially in light of entrenched Ukrainian defenses and high Russian casualties. On June 5–6, Russia launched its second-largest missile and drone strike of the war, firing 452 projectiles across Ukraine, killing at least three civilians and wounding dozens more. Ukrainian forces responded with a wave of drone strikes targeting Russian military facilities and industrial infrastructure in Engels, Ryazan, Bryansk, and Tambov oblasts, damaging fuel depots and helicopters. Russia’s Central Bank cut its key interest rate from 21% to 20% on Friday, likely under Kremlin pressure to project economic stability despite high inflation and ongoing sanctions. Meanwhile, Russian forces made recent advances in Belgorod and Sumy oblasts and near Lyman and Velyka Novosilka, indicating continued localized offensives along the frontline. Battlefield update: Ukrainian forces advanced near Toretsk. Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, Belgorod, Lyman, and near Kupyansk, Novopavlivka, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka. Sunday-Institute for the Study of War Saturday-Institute for the Study of WarFriday-Institute for the Study of War

EUROPE Europe Finds Itself in Trump’s Good Books—for Now. The Trump administration has temporarily shifted to a more conciliatory tone toward Europe, praising NATO allies for boosting military spending, one of President Donald Trump’s longstanding demands. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended European nations for pledging to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Trump also praised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during their recent Oval Office meeting and expressed continued support for the U.S. troop presence in Germany. While tensions remain—especially over trade and digital policies—U.S. officials say the European Union has made a “credible” start to trade talks. European leaders are cautiously optimistic but remain wary of Trump’s unpredictability, recognizing the praise could reverse quickly. Wall Street Journal Germany’s Merz signals long-term US reliance after Donald Trump meeting. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed confidence in the U.S. commitment to NATO following his first meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. Speaking in Berlin on Friday, Merz said Trump gave an unambiguous “no” when asked if the U.S. planned to leave NATO, reassuring European allies amid past tensions. While warning that Germany “will remain dependent on the U.S. for a long time,” Merz stressed the need for Europe to assume more responsibility. He defended the German car industry during the trip, proposing reciprocal tariff relief on U.S.-European Union auto exports. Merz also highlighted shared security concerns, including the war in Ukraine, and pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. The visit marked a shift in tone for Merz, who had previously warned about U.S. disengagement from the region. Despite past criticism of Trump, Merz emphasized the need to engage constructively, noting “you have to talk to him, not about him.”Financial TimesPolitico EU Winners of Defense Stock Frenzy in Europe, From Chemical to Goggle Makers. Europe’s defense stock surge in 2025 has extended beyond industry giants to a wave of smaller companies with ties to military technology. While Rheinmetall tripled in value, lesser-known firms like Exail Technologies (maritime drones), Steyr Motors (military engines), and Theon International (night vision) posted even higher gains. Investors have flocked to niche players across night vision, robotics, chemicals, and AI, responding to soaring defense budgets amid geopolitical tensions. Companies like Alzchem (ammunition chemicals), ThyssenKrupp (submarine spinoff), and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (printing) are being reassessed for their potential military applications. Tech and satellite firms, including OHB SE, Eutelsat, and Indra Sistemas also saw major gains. Even tactical accessories providers like Invisio (headsets) and Draegerwerk (breathing gear) have surged. The shift reflects changing warfare priorities—favoring autonomy, cyber, and battlefield communication—and a hunt for undervalued defense assets in a militarizing Europe.Bloomberg Russia’s Spy Hunters Are Suspicious as Putin Moves Closer to China. A secret Russian intelligence memo obtained by The New York Times reveals deep mistrust of China within the Federal Security Service (FSB), despite the Kremlin’s public embrace of Beijing. The internal document, likely written in late 2023 or early 2024, outlines fears of Chinese espionage targeting Russian military secrets, scientific knowledge, and territorial integrity. It accuses China of spying on Russia’s war in Ukraine to learn about Western weapons and recruiting Russian scientists, especially those disaffected or financially strained. China’s interest reportedly extends to Russia’s Arctic and Far East regions, as well as former Soviet territories in Central Asia. While the FSB. warns against Chinese infiltration, it also urges caution to avoid damaging bilateral ties. The memo highlights tensions between Russia’s political leadership, eager to maintain the China alliance, and its security services, which view Beijing as a strategic threat. Analysts say this rift could present an opening for the U.S. to drive a wedge between the two authoritarian powers. New York Times How The New York Times Obtained and Vetted a Russian Intelligence Document. In November 2024, a cybercrime group known as Ares Leaks advertised stolen Russian intelligence documents on Telegram, including a revealing Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence memo regarding China. The group provided The New York Times with a complete document for free, claiming more were for sale via Monero cryptocurrency. The memo, from Russia’s Department for Counterintelligence Operations (DKRO), detailed fears of Chinese espionage, including efforts to penetrate Russian military secrets and monitor WeChat activity. The Times shared the document with six Western intelligence agencies, all of which assessed it as authentic and consistent with known Russian concerns. While the origins of the leak remain unclear, the documents align with past Russian breaches and insider leaks. Other leaked snippets referenced cyber operations and informant handling but lacked context. Ares Leaks, which emerged four years ago selling hacked corporate data, now targets sensitive government files, offering an entire cache of Russian intelligence records for up to $120,000. New York Times China fast tracks rare earth export licenses for European companies. China has agreed to fast-track rare earth export licenses for select European companies, following pressure from Brussels over supply chain disruptions caused by Beijing’s new export controls. The move comes amid rising tensions triggered by Donald Trump’s return to the White House and renewed U.S.-China trade talks. European manufacturers warned that delays in accessing rare earths, critical for products like cars and appliances, risked halting production. While China’s commerce ministry pledged to create a “green channel” for qualifying firms, industry leaders remain cautious, citing a large application backlog and ongoing uncertainty. The EU welcomed the step but continues pushing for a long-term solution, including exemptions for civilian-use goods or annual licensing. Talks between Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao and EU commissioner Maroš Šefčovič also touched on broader disputes, including Chinese EV tariffs and brandy imports. European businesses remain frustrated by insufficient progress and a lack of clarity from Chinese authorities. Financial Times UK court accuses three Iranians of Iran spy service. Three Iranian men—Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori—appeared in a London court on Saturday, accused of assisting Iran’s foreign intelligence service and plotting violence against journalists from Iran International, a UK-based broadcaster critical of Tehran. Charged under the UK’s new National Security Act, the men allegedly conducted surveillance between August 2024 and February 2025 to support Iran’s intelligence operations. Sepahvand faces an additional charge of preparing to commit serious violence. All three intend to plead not guilty. They remain in custody ahead of a plea hearing in September and a trial set for October 2026. Reuters

THE MIDDLE EAST Iran says it obtained sensitive Israeli nuclear documents. Iranian state media reported that Iranian intelligence agencies had obtained a large trove of sensitive Israeli documents, including materials related to Israel’s nuclear plans and facilities. According to PressTV, the operation occurred some time ago, but the volume and secure transport of the documents required a media blackout until now. The authenticity and scope of the documents remain unclear, and Israel has not officially responded. The revelation comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei recently rejected U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment, while reports suggest President Trump blocked an Israeli strike in favor of renewed negotiations with Tehran. Reuters U.S. sanctions Iranian ‘shadow banking’ network. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals and entities involved in Iran’s “shadow banking” network, accusing them of laundering billions to fund Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs. The targeted network includes Iranian nationals and companies based in the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, some of which are linked to Iran’s state-owned National Iranian Tanker Company. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the shadow banking system a vital financial lifeline for Iran’s regime. The sanctions aim to disrupt Iran’s ability to move oil revenue and finance militant proxies in the Middle East. This marks the first major sanctions package targeting Iran’s shadow banking since President Donald Trump reimposed maximum pressure in February. Key players include the Zarringhalam brothers, who operate exchange houses in Iran and front companies abroad. Two UAE-based firms were added to the U.S. Specially Designated Nationals list, effectively freezing any assets linked to the United States. Reuters Israel takes journalists into tunnel beneath Gazan hospital, says body of Hamas leader Sinwar’s brother found there . The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it recovered the body of Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’ military chief and brother of Yahya Sinwar, in a cramped tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The operation, conducted last month, also reportedly uncovered the body of Rafah Brigade commander Mohammad Shabana and other militants. On June 8, Israel took a small group of foreign reporters into the tight concrete tunnel, described as being only two feet wide and less than six feet tall. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin referred to the underground site as a Hamas command center and slammed the group for using civilian infrastructure as shields. DNA testing confirmed Sinwar’s identity, following earlier reports of his death. Hamas has not yet commented on the killing. Israel has repeatedly accused the militant group of operating from hospitals, though some claims remain unverified. The fetid tunnel was accessed via a trench near the hospital’s emergency room, and Israeli forces said they also recovered weapons, cash, and documents. ReutersNew York TimesBBCTimes of Israel Israeli military says it struck Hamas member in southern Syria . Israel on Sunday claimed it struck a Hamas member in southern Syria’s Mazraat Beit Jin, just days after its first airstrikes there in nearly a month. The strike followed last week’s rocket fire toward Israel, which a little-known group linked to Hamas claimed responsibility for, though this remains unverified. Israel blamed Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Damascus staunchly denied involvement. The incident comes amid rare direct talks between Israel and Syria aimed at easing longstanding regional tensions. Reuters Israel says it has killed a leader of Palestinian militant group that took part in the Oct. 7 attack. The Israeli military announced Saturday it has killed Asaad Abu Sharia, leader of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement and its armed wing, in a joint airstrike with the Shin Bet security agency in Gaza City. Sharia, along with his brother Ahmed, was involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, including the assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Israel says he played a key role in the abduction and killing of high-profile hostages, including Israeli American and Thai nationals, and the Bibas family, whose two young children and mother were killed. The Bibas family welcomed the news as a step toward closure. The Mujahideen Brigades confirmed the deaths but previously denied killing captives. At least 15 people died in the strike, according to Hamas sources. CNN Gaza-bound aid ship with Greta Thunberg onboard seized by Israeli forces, activists detained. Israeli forces have seized control of the Madleen, a British-flagged charity yacht operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which was attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza. The vessel, carrying 12 crew members—including climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan—was intercepted in international waters and redirected to an Israeli port. The Madleen aimed to deliver a symbolic shipment of aid, including rice and baby formula, and draw attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the passengers were unharmed and called the mission a publicity stunt supporting Hamas, referring to the vessel as a “selfie yacht” full of “celebrities.” Israeli authorities added that the “tiny amount” of aid would be delivered through official channels. Hamas condemned the interception as a “fragrant violation of international law.” The naval blockade on Gaza has remained in place since Hamas took control of the enclave in 2007. Wall Street JournalBBCReutersCNNAssociated Press Israel Is Putting More Women on the Front Line to Help Fix Its Manpower Problem. The role of women in the Israeli military has expanded significantly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, with female soldiers now serving on front lines in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Previously restricted to lower-risk roles, women now make up 21% of Israel’s combat forces, up from 14% before the war and 7% a decade ago. A mixed-gender search-and-rescue unit, once limited to West Bank duties, is now operating in combat zones and will expand in August. Despite this progress, gender equality in the military remains incomplete—some elite units remain closed to women, and a recent program was canceled due to concerns over female recruits’ physical readiness. While some critics cite risks such as capture or religious objections, the bold performance of female soldiers during the war, including in direct combat, has shifted perceptions. Israel remains one of the few countries in the world to draft women broadly at age 18 and has one of the world’s highest rates of female military participation. Wall Street Journal Reports say 12 killed by Israeli military near aid distribution sites in south Gaza . Palestinian health officials and witnesses say that at least 12 people have been killed and others wounded by Israeli fire near two Gaza aid distribution points operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Israel’s military said it fired warning shots at people approaching its forces in what it considers active combat zones. Over the past two weeks, more than 80 people have reportedly been killed near these aid hubs, where desperate civilians gather for food amid Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis. The GHF operates aid sites within Israeli military zones, replacing U.N.-coordinated aid delivery, which Israel and the U.S. claim is vulnerable to Hamas interference—an allegation the U.N. denies. Critics argue the new system endangers civilians and fails to meet massive needs. Associated PressBBCAl JazeeraThe GuardianReuters Washington is mulling $500 million for funding of the U.S., Israel backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Sources say that the U.S. State Department is considering allocating $500 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid group delivering food and medical supplies to Palestinians. If approved, this would make Washington the foundation’s largest donor, significantly increasing its influence over the operation. While this move could boost U.S. credibility in urging other countries to contribute, it also risks drawing the White House deeper into the Gaza conflict and associating it with future incidents, such as the recent mass casualties near aid centers. The GHF, which aims to bypass Hamas control, has already suspended operations temporarily due to safety concerns. Internally, the funding proposal has sparked debate within the State Department, with some officials worried about accountability and others focused on improving conditions in Gaza. The decision is expected soon but remains unconfirmed. Funding sources for the GHF remain opaque, and reports of foreign and Israeli contributions have stirred controversy. AxiosTimes of IsraelReuters Boston Consulting Group CEO apologizes for Israeli-backed Gaza aid project. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) CEO Christoph Schweizer has apologized to staff after the firm was revealed to have played a central role in designing the controversial Israeli- and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF has been criticized for bypassing the UN, militarizing aid, and operating under opaque conditions. Its aid model has drawn condemnation and sparked fatal incidents, with U.N. official Philippe Lazzarini having referred to the distribution center as a “death trap.” Two senior BCG partners were fired for conducting “unauthorized work” related to the GHF, which included operational planning and collaboration with Israeli officials. Internal documents show BCG’s involvement in strategies that included residential aid compounds—raising concerns about potential forced relocations of Palestinian civilians. While BCG claims the work was initially pro bono, later efforts were conducted without proper disclosure. Some employees have denounced the project as potentially complicit in ethnic cleansing. BCG denies involvement in any forced relocation plans and says it will not be paid for the work. Washington Post

ASIA & OCEANIA China demonstrates coast guard capability to Pacific nations, step towards high seas patrols. China is preparing to conduct high seas boardings of fishing vessels in the Pacific for the first time, raising concerns about potential tensions with Taiwan’s fleets and the U.S. Coast Guard. Chinese officials recently showcased the Haixun 06 coast guard vessel to Pacific Island ministers, signaling Beijing’s intent to expand maritime law enforcement. China has registered 26 vessels for inspection duties with the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) but has yet to conduct boardings. Pacific officials warn diplomatic complications could arise, particularly with Taiwanese boats, given Beijing’s refusal to recognize Taiwan. While China is a key fisheries partner for some Pacific nations, its growing presence may challenge U.S., Australian, and allied patrol operations already active in the region. Pacific leaders emphasize the importance of cooperation to prevent regional tensions as China’s maritime ambitions continue to expand. Reuters Japan Flexes Its Military Muscle at China and Trump. Japan is dramatically expanding its military capabilities in response to growing threats from China and North Korea, and amid concerns about U.S. commitment under President Trump. A newly formed missile regiment on Okinawa, with visible anti-ship missile systems, symbolizes Japan’s shift from post-WWII pacifism toward active deterrence. Tokyo’s strategy includes buying U.S. weapons like Tomahawk missiles and F-35Bs, boosting domestic defense production, and deepening interoperability with U.S. forces. Japan also seeks to influence Trump by proving its value as a military ally and negotiating to ease new U.S. tariffs. With fears that Trump might cut a strategic deal with Beijing, Japan is also building ties with other partners like Australia and the Philippines. While still reliant on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, Japanese leaders are contemplating contingencies, including the potential use of their plutonium reserves. The ultimate aim is to keep Washington engaged in Asian security, while preparing for the possibility it won’t be. New York Times Taiwan coast guard, military drill to better face China’s ‘grey zone’ threat. Taiwan’s coast guard conducted joint drills with the military in Kaohsiung on Sunday, simulating a ferry hijacking to enhance coordination amid rising “grey zone” threats from China. These tactics, such as cable cutting and sand dredging, aim to pressure Taiwan without sparking direct conflict. President Lai Ching-te, who oversaw the exercise, praised the coast guard for being the first responders to such intrusions, and underscored Taipei’s commitment to strengthening national security and defending democracy. The drills featured coordination between coast guard forces, rescue and medevac helicopters, and navy aircraft—marking the first time all operated together in such a scenario. Taiwan’s coast guard, set to be mobilized in wartime, is undergoing expansion and modernization, including the deployment of advanced Anping-class corvettes equipped with missile launch capabilities. The government firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its people. Reuters Taiwan Tries to Purge Its Ranks of China Sympathizers . Taiwan is intensifying efforts to root out individuals in its civil service with ties to China as part of President Lai Ching-te’s campaign against Chinese influence. Authorities have begun vetting hundreds of thousands of civil servants and military personnel for Chinese identity documents or residence permits. Possession of such documents — even permanent residency in China — now risks revocation of Taiwanese citizenship under a broadened interpretation of existing law. The crackdown follows increasing pressure from Beijing, including military intimidation and “gray zone” tactics aimed at eroding Taipei’s autonomy. President Lai launched the campaign after a series of espionage cases involving the sovereign island’s military and officials. Though only a handful of cases have been found so far, the government recently stripped citizenship from a Taiwan-born professor who had gained Chinese residency and expressed support for the Communist Party. Critics argue the vetting process burdens educators and risks politicizing public institutions. Wall Street Journal North Korea struck by major internet outage, most likely due to internal cause . North Korea experienced a major internet outage on Saturday that disrupted access to key government websites, news services, and email systems, effectively cutting the country off from the global internet for several hours. The cause of the outage remains unclear, but experts believe it was likely internal rather than the result of a cyberattack, as connections through both China and Russia were also down. North Korea’s tightly controlled internet is normally limited to an elite few, with the general public restricted to a state-run intranet. The affected sites included those of the Foreign Ministry and national airline Air Koryo. Despite widespread accusations of state-sponsored hacking and crypto thefts by groups like Lazarus, North Korea denies any involvement in cybercrimes. Some services began gradually returning online by midday. ReutersThe IndependentAl Jazeera Thai and Cambodian forces ease tensions, set to resume previous positions on border. Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to return their troops to previous border positions following a deadly clash on May 28 that killed a Cambodian soldier and heightened tensions in a border area. Both sides expressed a desire to allay tensions and resume dialogue, with plans for a Joint Boundary Committee meeting on June 14. Phnom Penh has urged taking the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that bilateral talks may no longer suffice. Bangkok, however, rejects ICJ jurisdiction and prefers to resolve issues through direct negotiations. The border, which has long been contested, was originally mapped in 1907 during French colonial rule. The situation has revived concerns about the relationship between current leaders Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand and Hun Manet of Cambodia, successors to former allies Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen. Reuters

AFRICA A powerful, opaque al-Qaeda affiliate is rampaging across West Africa. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate founded in 2017, has rapidly expanded across West Africa, establishing strict Islamist control in parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Now the region’s most powerful militant group, JNIM, led by chiefs Iyad ag Ghali and Amadou Koufa, exploits government atrocities and ethnic tensions to gain local support, especially among the Fulani minority. Its combatants enforce a harsh Salafist version of Islamic law, shut down schools, and tax communities in exchange for security. The group, estimated to have between 5,000 and 6,000 fighters, funds its insurgency through illicit trades, including gold mining, smuggling, and extortion, and uses weapons captured from defeated military forces. The U.S. has scaled back its regional presence, leaving a growing security vacuum in the Sahel as JNIM pushes southward toward coastal nations like Ghana. In areas under its control, civilians often find the group’s stability preferable to state violence. With tens of thousands displaced and violence escalating, experts warn that JNIM’s influence is reaching deeper into previously stable nations, raising fears of broader regional destabilization and expanding Islamist governance. One analyst said the group is well on its way to establishing “a proto state that stretches like a belt from western Mali all the way to the borderlands of Benin.” Washington Post China’s Quiet Win: Outmaneuvering U.S. for Africa’s Future Leaders. China is increasingly outpacing the U.S. in attracting African students, offering scholarships, affordable tuition, and easier visa access at a time when the Trump administration is tightening restrictions on international education. African enrollment in Chinese universities has surged—over 81,000 by 2018—while U.S. numbers have declined, hindered by visa rejections and policy changes, including President Trump’s recent threat to suspend visas for Harvard students. China frames education as soft power, integrating African students into its economic and cultural ecosystem through language programs, job opportunities, and strategic influence. While African students in China sometimes face discrimination, many still promote Chinese education back home, forming language centers and strengthening bilateral ties. This shift echoes Cold War-era tactics and threatens the U.S.’s traditional dominance in shaping global talent and influence. Experts warn that restricting international student access could erode America’s soft power and global educational leadership. New York Times Wagner withdrawing from Mali after ‘completing mission.’ Russia’s Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali after over three years of fighting Islamist insurgents alongside the Malian military junta, claiming its mission was complete. However, Russia will maintain its presence in Mali through the Africa Corps, a Kremlin-backed paramilitary force composed largely of former Wagner fighters. The shift comes amid a surge in jihadist attacks, including deadly strikes by al-Qaeda-linked JNIM that killed over 100 Malian soldiers and some mercenaries. Analysts suggest Africa Corps will focus more on training and equipment support rather than frontline combat. Wagner’s exit follows reputational damage from accusations of civilian abuses, strategic setbacks, and the group’s diminished role after its failed mutiny in Russia in 2023. The change signals a restructuring, not a retreat, as Russia continues expanding its influence across Africa. The Africa Corps will remain engaged in Mali’s security, especially around the capital, Bamako, amid ongoing instability in the Sahel region. Al JazeeraBBCReuters Rwanda leaves Central African bloc in spat with Congo . Rwanda has announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing diplomatic tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Congo’s restive east. The decision came after ECCAS blocked Rwanda from assuming the bloc’s rotating chairmanship, a move Kigali condemned as a violation of its rights and a sign that the organization no longer adheres to its founding principles. It remains unclear when Rwanda’s departure will take effect. The dispute stems from the country’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which captured key cities in eastern Congo this year, causing thousands of deaths and fueling mass displacement. Congo and its allies accuse Rwanda of sending troops and weapons to back the rebels, claims Rwanda denies. ECCAS members have sided with Kinshasa, calling for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. The situation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, prompting peace efforts from African leaders, the U.S., and Qatar. ReutersBBCDeutsche Welle

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS OpenAI removes ChatGPT accounts tied to state-backed hacking campaigns, disinformation. OpenAI has reported that state-linked actors from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and the Philippines, as well as crime groups in Cambodia, have been misusing ChatGPT for malicious purposes. These include spreading disinformation on social media, assisting cyberattacks, refining malware, and executing employment scams. Many of the disinformation campaigns focused on political or geopolitical issues, often using multiple languages to target audiences globally. OpenAI discovered dozens of accounts seeking to create social media comments on topics such as backlash towards Taiwan, NATO criticism, German elections, the shutdown of USAID, and disapproval of the U.S. ChatGPT was also used to generate code for cyberattacks, automate tasks on social platforms, and assist in developing malware, notably a Russian tool called “ScopeCreep.” North Korean actors used it to craft fake job applications and plan remote operations. Several threat actors used the tool to search for information on the U.S. defense industry, including “U.S. Special Operations Command, satellite communications technologies, specific ground station terminal locations, government identity verification cards, and networking equipment.” Meanwhile, Cambodian groups created recruitment scams in various languages to lure people into exploitative cybercrime jobs. OpenAI has banned all involved accounts and is working with industry partners to counter these threats. The RecordReuters EU could postpone flagship AI rules, tech chief says. The European Commission may delay parts of the EU’s AI Act if necessary, guidance and standards are not ready in time, according to tech chief Henna Virkkunen. The AI Act, adopted in late 2023, includes bans and strict requirements to reduce AI risks, with key enforcement dates in August 2025 and 2026. However, companies, facing uncertainty and lobbying pressures, especially after Donald Trump’s election, are waiting for technical standards and a still-unfinished code of practice. Industry groups are calling for a “stop-the-clock” mechanism to postpone deadlines until clear guidance is available. Some EU ministers, including Poland’s Dariusz Standerski, support the idea conditionally—only if a thorough plan is outlined, so that the delay is used productively. The EU is also considering broader regulatory simplification to ease compliance burdens for businesses. Politico EU UK judge sounds alarm on AI misuse in courts . A senior judge at the High Court of England and Wales warned last week that lawyers who submit fictitious cases generated by AI could face criminal charges. The warning came after two cases involved written arguments likely produced using AI tools. Judge Victoria Sharp stressed that the misuse of AI threatens justice and public trust in the legal system. She expressed concerns about the conduct of the involved lawyers, noting that current guidance is inadequate. One lawyer denied knowingly using AI but admitted she may have done so unwittingly during online research. The ruling follows rising issues with AI “hallucinations” in the legal field. Politico EU Meta in negotiations over Scale AI investment that could exceed $10 billion . Meta is reportedly in talks to invest over $10 billion in San Francisco-based AI startup Scale AI, potentially marking its largest external AI investment ever. While the deal is not finalized, it would be one of the biggest private funding rounds in history. Scale AI, valued at $14 billion in 2024 and possibly on the cusp of reaching $25 billion, specializes in data labeling for training machine-learning models. It counts Microsoft and OpenAI among its clients and plays a critical role in the generative AI boom. Unlike its tech rivals—Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet—Meta has mostly relied on internal research. This investment signals a strategic shift as CEO Mark Zuckerberg prioritizes AI, planning to spend up to $65 billion on AI projects in 2025. Meta’s chatbot, powered by its Llama model, already serves a billion users monthly. Scale and Meta also share a growing focus on defense tech. They are jointly developing “Defense Llama,” a military-use version of Meta’s AI, and both have partnerships with U.S. defense agencies. Scale recently secured a Pentagon contract, underscoring its expanding role in national security applications. BloombergReuters FBI warns off-brand IoT devices still vulnerable to BadBox botnet. The FBI has warned that a widespread malware campaign called BadBox 2.0 has infected millions of internet-connected devices globally, forming a botnet now used for criminal purposes. The malware targets IoT hardware such as streaming devices, digital projectors, vehicle infotainment systems, and digital picture frames. It often comes pre-installed on off-brand or aftermarket devices—mainly from China—or through untrustworthy software updates. BadBox 2.0 builds on an earlier campaign disrupted by German law enforcement in December, but is significantly more widespread, with over a million Android infections. The botnet enables cybercriminals to hide their activity behind compromised home networks and is sometimes sold as a service. The FBI advises users to inspect their IoT devices for signs of compromise, avoid unverified Android products, and keep device firmware updated. The RecordBleeping Computer Nigeria jails 9 Chinese nationals for being part of international cyber fraud syndicate . Nine Chinese nationals were sentenced to one year in prison by Nigeria’s Federal High Court for their participation in a cybercrime syndicate that allegedly recruited and trained Nigerian youths to commit online fraud. The convictions followed a major raid by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December, dubbed Operation Eagle Flush, which led to the arrest of 780 people, including 599 Nigerians and 193 foreign nationals. The EFCC described the syndicate as a large-scale cyberterrorism and identity theft operation based in Lagos, using advanced tech and social engineering to conduct scams globally. Testimony from a Nigerian witness revealed workers were recruited via WhatsApp, closely monitored, and not allowed to leave the workplace freely. The convicted Chinese nationals reached a plea deal and will be deported after serving their sentences and paying a ₦1 million ($640) fine each. China’s ambassador to Nigeria expressed regret over the incident and proposed closer cooperation with Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime, affirming China’s “zero tolerance” for such offenses. The Record Kettering Health confirms attack by Interlock ransomware group as health record system is restored. Kettering Health, one of Ohio’s largest healthcare systems, has confirmed that a ransomware attack by the Interlock group caused major system outages beginning May 20. The attack disrupted internal systems, phone lines, and electronic health records, leading to canceled procedures and ambulance diversions. Interlock claimed responsibility and said it had stolen sensitive data, including financial records. Kettering Health has since removed the malware, secured its systems, segmented its network, and engaged external cybersecurity experts to enhance monitoring. Some electronic health record functions have been restored, but phone services remain affected. The hospital has not commented on whether it will pay a ransom or what specific data was stolen. The incident is part of a wider wave of cyberattacks targeting healthcare providers across the U.S., including across New England. The RecordBleeping Computer