Ukraine has been cut off from US satellite imagery after Maxar Technologies blocked access to its services, reportedly due to an administrative request following Washington’s decision to freeze military aid and intelligence sharing. Ukrainian media claim both government and private users have been denied access. The move affects Ukraine’s ability to track Russian troop movements and assess battlefield conditions. This development follows recent tensions between President Zelensky and the US President Trump, who urged Ukraine to negotiate peace. Moscow welcomed the aid suspension, suggesting it might push Ukraine toward diplomacy.
EU INCREASES DEFENCE SPENDING DRASTICALLY
The European Union has approved the “ReArm Europe” plan, increasing defence spending by up to €800 billion ($840 billion). This decision follows an emergency summit in Brussels, where leaders agreed to ease budget restrictions to strengthen military capabilities and compensate for reduced U.S. aid to Ukraine. The plan includes a proposed €150 billion loan package for air and missile defence, artillery, and drones. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for European military autonomy, while Russia dismissed the move as unnecessary militarization. The initiative signals a major shift in EU defence policy amid global tensions.
HUNGARY BLOCKS EU UKRAINE STATEMENT
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blocked an EU joint statement on Ukraine, leaving the remaining 26 member states to issue a separate document emphasizing “peace through strength” and military aid. EU Council President António Costa declared Hungary “isolated” in its stance. Meanwhile, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgency of supporting Ukraine. Orbán, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach, argued that the EU is isolating itself from major global powers. Despite Hungary’s opposition, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for continued support, announcing upcoming negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
MACRON DEFENDS FRANCE’S NATO COMMITMENT
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to NATO as U.S. President Donald Trump questioned the alliance’s mutual defence obligations. Trump cast doubt on whether NATO allies, including France, would defend the U.S. if attacked, reiterating his stance that countries must increase defence spending. Macron highlighted historical solidarity between France and the U.S., urging mutual respect. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reassured the alliance’s strength, while Trump’s NATO ambassador nominee, Matt Whitaker, called the U.S. commitment “ironclad.” Despite Trump’s skepticism, most NATO members have met the 2% spending target, a change attributed to his pressure.
XI URGES MILITARY PLAN SUCCESS
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of successfully concluding the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. Speaking at the National People’s Congress, Xi urged confidence in overcoming challenges and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable military advancements. He highlighted the need for modern management strategies, stronger civil-military cooperation, and accelerated development of advanced combat technologies. Additionally, Xi stressed the importance of a strict oversight system to tackle corruption within military ranks. His speech underscores China’s continued focus on military modernization and strategic preparedness.
