The Kremlin has issued a stark warning that the deployment of US missiles in Germany could lead to a Cold War-style confrontation, potentially putting European capitals in the crosshairs of Russian missiles. This comes after the White House announced plans to station long-range weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany from 2026 as a deterrent.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin held a phone call to discuss lowering the risk of escalation, following tensions sparked by Washington’s plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany. The call comes as both sides express concern over the potential return to Cold War-style confrontation.
The US has called on India to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the NATO summit. The US emphasized its strategic partnership with India and encouraged greater collaboration between NATO and friendly nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Three US states have introduced bullet vending machines at grocery stores, allowing customers to purchase ammunition 24/7. These automated kiosks use AI technology and facial recognition to verify buyers’ identities and ensure they are over 18. This move has sparked debate, particularly considering the high rate of gun deaths in the US.
The United States and the Dominican Republic have finalized an open skies agreement, aiming to reduce airfares, promote competition, and strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. The deal, concluded after 25 years of discussions, allows for unlimited flights between the countries, opening doors for expanded operations by existing airlines and new market entrants.
José Raúl Mulino, Panama’s newly inaugurated president, has pledged to shut down irregular migration through the Darien Gap, a perilous jungle route connecting Panama to Colombia. Mulino has secured a U.S. commitment to cover repatriation costs, but faces challenges in implementing his strict policy. Experts warn that this could force migrants onto riskier routes and benefit smugglers, while potentially impacting U.S. border crossings.
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, condemned terrorism and expressed hope for improved relations between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the US’s deepening ties with India, particularly in economic and security cooperation, while acknowledging the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The US has revised its proposed ceasefire and hostage-release deal for Gaza, aiming to reconcile the conflicting positions of Israel and Hamas. The revised proposal, based on President Biden’s earlier framework, focuses on negotiation points during the initial ceasefire phase. While Israel supports the deal, Hamas has shown resistance, rejecting the proposal as lacking meaningful progress. The US is working with Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a compromise, but a senior Hamas official has dismissed the revised proposal as offering nothing new.
North Korea has strongly criticized joint military exercises between the US, South Korea, and Japan, accusing them of forming an ‘Asian NATO’ and threatening a forceful response. The drills, dubbed ‘Freedom Edge’, involved naval destroyers, fighter jets, and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. North Korea’s condemnation comes amid heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula, following South Korea’s pledge to provide weapons to Ukraine and North Korea’s signing of a mutual defense pact with Russia.
The Maldives, while acknowledging its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, has reassured its partners, including India and the US, that it prioritizes regional stability and sees all major powers as important partners. This comes after the Maldives signed defense deals with China, prompting concerns from India and the US. The Maldivian ambassador to Washington emphasized that his country’s relationships with other nations are sincere and not intended to harm regional peace. He highlighted the Maldives’ reliance on tourism and its commitment to a stable Indian Ocean, making it essential to maintain good relations with all key players.
