Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, accused of using chemical weapons in Ukraine, was killed in a Moscow bombing claimed by Kyiv. The explosion, triggered via a scooter bomb, also killed his assistant. Ukraine’s security service confirmed involvement, labeling Kirillov a war criminal. Russia called it a “terrorist act” and launched an investigation.
BRITISH COURT IDENTIFIES ALLEGED CHINESE SPY LINKED TO PRINCE ANDREW.
A British court identified Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy with ties to Prince Andrew, after lifting his anonymity. Yang, co-founder of Pitch@Palace China, developed trust with Andrew and attended his events. Denying spy allegations, Yang claims innocence. Andrew’s office stated their relationship ended following government advice, with no sensitive matters discussed.
ITALY’S PM URGES EU PRAGMATISM TO PREVENT US TRADE TENSIONS UNDER TRUMP.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the EU to adopt a pragmatic approach to avoid a trade war with re-elected US President Donald Trump, who plans steep import tariffs. Meloni, seen as a close ally of Trump, emphasized cooperation to prevent disputes. The EU, with a $208.6 billion goods trade surplus with the US, faces rising tensions.
ERDOĞAN CALLS FOR EU-TURKEY RELATIONS UPGRADE AFTER MEETING VON DER LEYEN ON SYRIA.
During a meeting with President Erdoğan, Ursula von der Leyen announced €1 billion to support Syrian refugees in Turkey. Erdoğan urged the EU to improve relations, lift restrictions, and restart dialogue. He proposed updating the customs union and expediting visa issuance, though Turkey’s EU accession remains stalled and absent from the upcoming summit’s agenda.
CHINA STRONGLY OPPOSES EU SANCTIONS ON CHINESE COMPANIES, CALLING THEM UNJUSTIFIED.
China expressed strong opposition to EU sanctions on Chinese entities over alleged support for Russia in the Ukraine crisis, calling them unjustified and unilateral. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China’s commitment to peace, denying weapon supplies to conflict parties and enforcing strict export controls. Lin defended normal China-Russia cooperation as legitimate and unaffected by external interference.
