European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine after a heated confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump accused Zelenskyy of risking World War III and cancelled a rare minerals deal. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron, declared unwavering support, emphasising Russia as the aggressor. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European heads echoed solidarity with Kyiv. However, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán backed Trump. Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace despite tensions with the U.S.
INDIA STRENGTHENS TIES WITH CENTRAL ASIA
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, during his visit to Kazakhstan, offered assistance to five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—to tackle terrorism, cybersecurity threats, and drug trafficking. Emphasizing regional security, Doval subtly criticized Pakistan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), advocating for transparent, viable connectivity projects. He also proposed India’s UPI technology to boost economic integration and invited Central Asian cybersecurity officials for a strategic cyber experience. Additionally, India is pushing its International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as a trade alternative to China’s BRI in the region.
JAPAN BATTLES WILDFIRE CRISIS
Japan is battling its worst wildfire in over 30 years, with flames engulfing 1,400 hectares in Iwate Prefecture. Over 2,500 firefighters, supported by 17 helicopters, are struggling to contain the blaze. The fire has caused one fatality, damaged over 80 buildings, and forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people. Unusually dry weather has exacerbated the situation, with Ofunato experiencing record-low rainfall. Power outages and train service disruptions have added to the crisis. With rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, Japan faces increasing wildfire threats, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience measures.
GAZA TRUCE TALKS REMAIN STALLED
The Gaza ceasefire remains in limbo as Israel and Hamas fail to progress in the second phase of negotiations. Hamas claims it is ready to implement the next steps, calling for a full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the lifting of the Gaza blockade. However, Israel demands the release of at least three live hostages before advancing talks. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are working to revive discussions, but no clear timeline exists. With uncertainty looming, Israeli officials have returned home, and Hamas representatives remain absent from direct negotiations, leaving the fate of the ceasefire uncertain.
TRUMP ENDS UKRAINE DEAL ABRUPTLY
In a heated televised exchange, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War III.” Trump declared that the raw minerals deal with Ukraine was off, asserting that Zelenskyy was not ready for peace. The argument escalated when U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Zelenskyy that Ukraine lacked the manpower to continue fighting. The meeting ended abruptly, with Trump insisting that Ukraine should “just say thank you” for U.S. aid. The fallout deepens tensions, casting uncertainty over future U.S.-Ukraine relations.
