German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Western allies have lifted all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russia. The UK, France, the U.S., and Germany now permit Ukraine to target military infrastructure inside Russian territory. Merz emphasized this shift as a “decisive qualitative difference” in Ukraine’s defense strategy, enabling long-range strikes on rear military positions. He contrasted Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians with Ukraine’s focused military objectives and stressed the importance of upholding that distinction. Merz also noted that this policy change motivated his joint visit to Kyiv with European leaders, where they agreed to keep future arms talks confidential.
Hamas Agrees to U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Deal for Gaza
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to a Gaza ceasefire proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff, Reuters reported citing a Palestinian official. The proposal includes releasing ten Israeli hostages in two groups in exchange for a 70-day truce and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, several Palestinian prisoners would be released by Israel. Israel has yet to comment on the proposal, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to address the Gaza hostages situation “today or tomorrow.” Israel had ended its January ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, resuming military operations in Gaza.
Iran Dismisses Sanctions Warning: ‘We Won’t Stop Enriching Uranium’
Iran rejected suspending its nuclear enrichment program as part of any deal with the US, Iranian officials said May 26. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Tehran can survive even if talks fail, calling claims otherwise “totally false.” Negotiations mediated by Oman are the highest-level talks since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. Iranian officials emphasized optimism if the US shows goodwill but warned talks will fail if aimed at restricting Iran’s rights. Despite renewed US sanctions and threats of military action under President Trump, Iran insists it will survive and resist pressure.
Chinese eCommerce Company Faces EU Accusations Over Manipulative Sales Practices
The EU has criticized Chinese online retailer Shein for deceptive practices, including fake discounts, manipulative countdown timers, and misleading claims, violating consumer laws. An investigation by the European Commission and national consumer authorities found Shein uses false original prices and continuously resetting timers to create urgency. They also highlighted unclear return policies, false sustainability claims, confusing labels, and poor customer service access. Shein has one month to address these issues; failure to comply could result in fines. Enforcement is being led by consumer protection agencies from Belgium, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
BOTCHED LAUNCH CRIPPLES NORTH KOREA’S NEW DESTROYER, SPARKS KIM JONG UN’S ANGER
North Korea’s newest 5,000-ton destroyer was severely damaged during a recent launch ceremony, with leader Kim Jong Un witnessing the accident. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that a launch mechanism malfunction caused the ship’s stern to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stuck on the shipway. Kim condemned the failure as “a criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness” and vowed to punish those responsible. Three individuals, including the chief engineer, have been detained. Satellite images show the vessel on its side, with naval experts calling the damage potentially catastrophic.
