Ukraine can now use long-range missiles against Russian targets, following a policy shift confirmed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Previously, weapons like the ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and Taurus missiles were restricted to strikes within Ukrainian territory. This change, Merz says, will decisively improve Ukraine’s defence capability. The ATACMS can reach up to 300 km, Storm Shadow over 250 km, and Germany’s Taurus missile exceeds 500 km in range. While Germany hasn’t confirmed Taurus delivery, Merz hinted at industrial cooperation with Ukraine. This strategic flexibility may alter the course of the war as Ukraine enters its fourth year of resistance.
CHINA LAUNCHES ASTEROID SAMPLE MISSION
China has launched its Tianwen-2 spacecraft to collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3, located near Mars, and study comet 311P in a decade-long mission. Launched aboard the Long March 3-B rocket, this ambitious project aims to deliver asteroid samples back to Earth in two years. The mission could provide insights into Earth’s early formation and the origins of water. This marks another major step in China’s growing interplanetary exploration program, led by the CNSA. China, which previously returned Moon samples, now eyes deeper cosmic research—despite limited cooperation with the US due to legal restrictions tied to NASA collaboration.
TRUMP BANS ENTRY FROM 12 NATIONS
US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning entry into the United States from 12 countries, citing national security concerns and threats of terrorism. The countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen. Additionally, seven more nations face partial visa restrictions, including Cuba and Venezuela. The restrictions, effective June 9, 2025, suspend entry for tourists, students, workers, and refugees from the banned nations. Exceptions include lawful permanent residents and specific visa categories. Trump stated the policy is designed to prevent individuals who may pose harm from entering the US. This echoes his earlier controversial travel bans from his first term.
FRANCE’S H COMPANY LAUNCHES AGENTICS
French AI start-up H Company has released three advanced agentic AI models—Runner H, Surfer H, and Tester H—designed for high-level task automation. Unlike traditional chatbots, these agents can plan, navigate, and execute tasks while keeping human oversight central. Runner H automates workflows, Surfer H browses and completes online tasks, and Tester H supports enterprise-level software testing and communications. Boasting a 92.2% success rate and lower operational costs, H’s models rival offerings from OpenAI and Anthropic. Trained on synthetic data to meet GDPR compliance, the company emphasizes productivity, privacy, and human agency in AI evolution.
TRUMP PROBES BIDEN AUTOPEN PARDONS
US President Donald Trump has launched an investigation into pardons issued by former President Joe Biden using an autopen—a device that mechanically replicates a person’s signature. Biden, who granted a record-breaking 4,245 pardons during his presidency, reportedly used the autopen to authorize clemency for family members and death row inmates in his final hours in office. The Trump administration is questioning both the legality and Biden’s mental competency during these approvals. While autopens have precedent in U.S. politics—including Barack Obama’s 2011 bill signing—Trump’s team claims using the device for pardons raises serious constitutional and ethical concerns.
