TL;DR
Putin’s high-stakes visit to North Korea cements a deepening Russia-North Korea alliance, while NATO and Ukraine push back with new military strategies. Tensions flare as Iran warns against supporting US actions, and global powers make bold moves in defense and diplomacy.
Key Stories
- Putin and Kim Jong Un strengthen ties with major agreement in North Korea — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, with reports suggesting a major agreement is in the works. Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia, calling it permanent and unconditional.
- NATO pledges €70bn in military support for Ukraine amid escalating war — NATO allies committed €70 billion in military aid, training, and equipment for Ukraine in 2026, with plans to sustain similar levels in 2027. The move comes as Russia reportedly rejects peace talks and considers further escalation.
- Germany deploys long-range Tomahawk missiles in major defense shift — Germany struck a deal with the US to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles, marking a major shift in European military strategy. The missiles, with a 1,600+ km range, signal a new era of long-range strike capabilities for NATO.
- Iran warns countries supporting US against it are legitimate targets — Iran’s military command declared that any country, base, or site aiding US actions against Iran will be considered a legitimate target. The warning follows reports of a US strike on an Iranian railway bridge.
- Italy expels two Russian diplomats over espionage allegations — Italy expelled two Russian military attachés from its embassy in Rome after an investigation revealed their involvement in espionage activities. The move highlights growing tensions between Europe and Russia.