Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that India launched a preemptive Brahmos missile strike on May 9-10, targeting multiple locations including Rawalpindi airport. This strike disrupted Pakistan’s planned retaliatory attack, which was scheduled for after morning prayers on May 10. Sharif admitted the Pakistani military was unprepared for the Indian assault. The attack damaged crucial infrastructure, including the Nur Khan airbase, impacting Pakistan’s air power and proximity to its nuclear arsenal. Sharif’s admission, made during a trip to Azerbaijan, is notable for its contrast to previous pronouncements and the timing in the presence of newly-promoted Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir.
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The US is considering withdrawing from peace initiatives in Ukraine unless Russia ceases its aggression and engages in good-faith negotiations. This decision, while not abandoning principles or allies, reflects Russia’s unwillingness to cooperate toward a peaceful resolution. The US emphasizes its desire for constructive dialogue and a fair peace process, but will not participate in talks lacking genuine commitment from all parties. This stance follows prior warnings from US officials that a lack of progress will necessitate American withdrawal from mediation efforts.
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In northern Guatemala, archaeologists have unearthed “Los Abuelos,” a significant Mayan city dating back to 800-500 BC. This Middle Preclassic period site, located near Uaxactun, features impressive pyramids, monuments with unique iconography, and a complex canal system. The discovery of two anthropomorphic sculptures, representing an ancestral couple, suggests ancestor worship played a key role. The site’s scale and architectural planning redefine understanding of early Mayan urban development and socio-political organization in the region.
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In a Thursday Kremlin meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Abe Akie, widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe recalled her husband’s 2016 meeting with Putin and emphasized the importance of Russia as a neighbor, advocating for increased cultural exchange. Putin acknowledged Abe Shinzo’s dedication to a Russia-Japan peace treaty and the progress made towards that goal. Following their discussion, Putin provided Abe with transportation to the Bolshoi Theatre. The meeting underscores continued diplomatic engagement between Russia and Japan despite the late Prime Minister’s passing.
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Beginning July 1st, France will prohibit smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, and bus stops, punishable by a £114 fine. This measure, aligning with the 2023-2027 National Anti-Tobacco Programme’s goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2032, excludes cafe terraces and e-cigarettes. While public support for such bans is high, the ban follows previous delays and complements existing indoor smoking restrictions. This initiative mirrors similar efforts underway in Spain, contrasting with the UK’s recent decision to drop plans for broader outdoor smoking bans.
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Despite earlier assurances, Russia failed to deliver its promised “memorandum” to Ukraine, the United States, or Türkiye, a breach of commitments made to all three parties. President Zelenskyy characterized this as yet another instance of Russian deception, designed to render peace negotiations meaningless. This lack of good faith underscores the need for intensified sanctions against Russia. The absence of the document follows Ukraine’s own submission of its proposals.
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The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleges that Serbian defense companies have violated Serbia’s stated neutrality by supplying Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of rockets and millions of small arms cartridges. These weapons were allegedly shipped using fraudulent end-user certificates, according to the SVR. The SVR characterizes these exports as a deliberate act of aggression against Russia, contradicting Serbia’s public stance. Previous reporting supports the claim of significant Serbian ammunition exports to Ukraine, totaling an estimated €800 million since the start of the conflict.
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Operation Blizzard, a month-long CBSA operation targeting drug trafficking, resulted in over 2,600 seizures nationwide. A significant majority (67%) of seized drugs originated in the U.S., while a much smaller percentage (17.5%) was destined for the U.S. The operation yielded 1.73 kg of fentanyl, with the majority bound for the U.S. The initiative, part of a broader border security plan, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs across the Canada-U.S. border.
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Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD, JinJiang Construction Brazil, and Tecmonta, alleging human trafficking and slavery-like conditions at BYD’s Camacari factory. The suit, seeking over £33m in damages, stems from an investigation that rescued 220 Chinese workers found to be enduring deplorable living and working conditions, including overcrowded housing and excessive work hours. BYD claims cooperation with prosecutors, while the prosecutors assert the lawsuit is well-founded and supported by substantial evidence. The investigation halted construction of BYD’s first major plant outside Asia, originally slated to open in March 2025.
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Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to unprecedented wildfires forcing the evacuation of 17,000 people, prompting a request for military assistance from Prime Minister Carney. The city of Flin Flon, with 5,000 residents, was completely evacuated, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The fires, exacerbated by grounded water bombers due to drone interference, have already caused one serious injury and significantly exceed the province’s average wildfire count for this time of year. Assistance from across Canada is being provided to combat the 22 active blazes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker