European leaders joined a video call to hear French President Emmanuel Macron’s briefing on his recent Washington meeting with Donald Trump. While both agreed on bringing peace to Ukraine, they clashed over strategy. Trump aims for a swift ceasefire, while Macron warned against hasty peace that benefits Russia. The EU is preparing a new defense fund to support Ukraine, but Hungary’s pro-Trump stance threatens consensus. Amid growing unease, Trump’s remarks about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his direct talks with Putin have raised concerns over the future of US-EU coordination on Ukraine.
TRUMP PROPOSES $5M INVESTOR VISA
US President Donald Trump has proposed a new $5 million “gold card” visa for wealthy investors, replacing the existing EB-5 visa program. The initiative promises a direct path to citizenship but lacks job creation requirements. While Trump claims it will boost the economy, critics warn of potential fraud and security risks. The plan has also raised eligibility concerns, particularly for Russian oligarchs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insists applicants will be “world-class citizens,” but details on vetting remain unclear. With no congressional approval required, Trump aims to launch the program in two weeks.
INDIA-CHINA TIES SHOW IMPROVEMENT
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted a “phase of recovery” in India-China relations, citing key agreements between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan. Since then, both nations have engaged in multiple diplomatic meetings, focusing on restoring trade, resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and enhancing connectivity. Xu emphasized mutual respect, cooperation, and media exchanges to strengthen ties. While tensions persist post-Galwan clashes, both countries aim to normalize relations through SCO, BRICS, and G20 platforms.
NSA OFFICERS FIRED OVER CHATS
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the dismissal of over 100 US intelligence officers for participating in explicit discussions on a classified NSA chat platform. The chat groups, hosted on Intelink, were initially meant for secure communications but were misused for inappropriate conversations, including gender transition discussions. The shutdown followed an executive order by President Trump ending DEI programs in federal agencies. Elon Musk reacted to the revelations with a single-word post, “Wow.” Intelligence agencies have been directed to identify all involved officers by Friday.
TAIWAN RESPONDS TO CHINA DRILLS
Taiwan has deployed its military forces in response to China’s “live-fire” drills near the island. The exercises, conducted 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s coast, involved 32 Chinese aircraft and naval operations. Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the drills as a provocation, warning they threaten regional stability. The escalation follows Taiwan’s seizure of a Chinese-crewed cargo ship suspected of severing an undersea telecom cable. China continues to increase military pressure, reaffirming its claim over Taiwan, while the U.S. maintains strategic ambiguity regarding direct intervention. Tensions in the Taiwan Strait remain high as geopolitical conflicts persist.
