EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to address Europe’s defence priorities, with a focus on securing €500 billion in funding over the next decade. Discussions will centre on military capabilities, financing options, and strategic cooperation with NATO. While there is consensus on strengthening Europe’s defence industry, member states remain divided on funding sources, including Eurobonds and EU budget reallocations. The urgency has increased following Donald Trump’s call for NATO allies to raise defence spending. The summit is expected to set the stage for a White Paper on Defence, shaping the EU’s security policy ahead of crucial NATO decisions in June.
US PRESSURES PANAMA ON CANAL
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Panama to curb China’s influence over the Panama Canal, warning of potential US action. During a meeting with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Rubio stressed that Chinese-run facilities at both ends of the canal could compromise neutrality. In response, Mulino confirmed Panama will not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China but denied any threat to the canal’s ownership. Rubio’s visit highlights growing US-China tensions over global trade routes. Meanwhile, North Korea condemned Rubio’s remarks, signalling continued friction between Pyongyang and the Trump administration.
WHO URGES US TO RETURN
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is urging world leaders to push the US to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the health agency. The move threatens crucial global health programs, including polio eradication, tuberculosis, and emergency response efforts in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The US, WHO’s largest donor, provided nearly $988 million for 2024-2025. Countries such as Germany warn of a financial crisis, with WHO forced to consider major budget cuts. Trump justified the withdrawal by citing WHO’s COVID-19 response and high US contributions. Global health experts fear long-term consequences for disease control efforts.
RUSSIA STRIKES UKRAINE 1,400 TIMES
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia carried out 1,400 airstrikes in a single week, including 50 missiles, 600 drones, and 760 glide bombs. He urged Western allies to increase military aid, particularly air defense systems and long-range weapons, to counter ongoing attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia will not stop on its own and called for sanctions pressure to curb Moscow’s aggression. Meanwhile, the U.S. wants Ukraine to hold elections by year-end, contingent on a potential ceasefire. As the war nears its third anniversary, tensions remain high, with both sides trading blame for recent deadly attacks.
TRUMP PLANS TALKS WITH RUSSIA, UKRAINE
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for talks with Russia and Ukraine, stating negotiations are already underway. Speaking on Fox News, he described discussions as progressing well, emphasizing a busy diplomatic agenda that includes Israel, Ukraine, and Russia. Trump’s remarks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s insistence that U.S. sanctions remain a key leverage point against Russia. The development comes amid escalating tensions in Ukraine, with recent Russian airstrikes and Western defence aid shaping the conflict’s trajectory. Observers remain cautious, as the prospect of a ceasefire or settlement depends on negotiations between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington.
