A rare phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump yielded contrasting interpretations. While Trump lauded the conversation as “excellent” and predicted imminent ceasefire negotiations, Putin, while acknowledging a “meaningful and frank” discussion, refused a US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s maximalist war aims, centering on addressing what he termed the “root causes” of the conflict, which include significant concessions from Ukraine. Despite Zelenskyy’s call for a full ceasefire and stronger sanctions against Russia if negotiations fail, no significant breakthrough emerged from the call.
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A French Senate investigation revealed a government cover-up of Nestle’s use of banned treatments in its Perrier and other mineral water brands. The report details how the highest levels of the French state, including the Elysee Palace, authorized microfiltration despite EU regulations prohibiting treatments altering natural mineral water. This authorization, despite knowledge of Nestle’s years-long deception, allowed Nestle to avoid legal action after paying a €2 million fine. The cover-up involved deliberate strategies to maintain a lack of transparency with both national and European authorities.
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CILAS’s new HELMA-LP portable laser rifle, showcased at SOFINS, offers a unique solution for close-to-medium range engagements. Building upon the larger HELMA-P system, the HELMA-LP’s portability allows for stealthy neutralization of enemy electronics, sensors, and surveillance equipment. Its potential application in Ukraine is significant, offering a silent and precise countermeasure against drones and other threats, potentially disrupting Russian electronic warfare capabilities. The HELMA-LP’s ability to disable enemy assets without collateral damage could prove invaluable in urban and trench warfare.
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The U.S. State Department has closed its Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem, effectively eliminating a dedicated diplomatic channel between the Palestinians and Washington. This action, implemented on May 16, 2025, merges the office’s functions into the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, a move reflecting a return to the Trump administration’s approach. The closure comes amidst escalating violence in Gaza and despite ongoing talks between U.S. officials and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The office’s dissolution leaves Palestinian affairs under the purview of the U.S. ambassador to Israel, who has previously expressed skepticism about Palestinian identity.
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A Polish customs seizure in Koroszczyn uncovered five metric tons of Boeing aircraft tires falsely declared as car and bus tires. The shipment originated in Spain and was destined for Azerbaijan, but was intercepted due to its suspected final use in Russia, violating sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion. Criminal proceedings for customs fraud have been initiated. The seized tires, intended for civilian aircraft, highlight ongoing efforts to circumvent Western sanctions on Russia.
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Former FBI agent Jonathan Buma alleges that Russian intelligence, with Vladimir Putin’s knowledge, targeted Elon Musk and Peter Thiel for blackmail using information gathered on their personal lives. Buma claims Musk’s alleged vulnerabilities, including his involvement in events like Burning Man and reported substance use, were exploited by Russian spies. These allegations, presented in a ZDF documentary, suggest a deliberate Russian attempt to influence or compromise influential figures following the Ukraine invasion. It’s notable that Buma himself faces charges for leaking classified information.
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A surge in pro-Russian content on platforms like Substack exhibits striking uniformity in messaging, mirroring Kremlin narratives and often blaming NATO or portraying Ukraine negatively. The high frequency of near-identical posts across numerous blogs suggests coordination, potentially aided by AI-generated text. Strategic language switching to Russian further amplifies the reach and perceived authenticity of this disinformation campaign. This coordinated effort creates a distorted online landscape, masking its origins and giving a veneer of legitimacy to pro-Kremlin viewpoints.
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Romania’s Acting President Ilie Bolojan recently enacted legislation granting the armed forces authority to shoot down unauthorized drones in Romanian airspace. This follows several incidents involving Russian drones illegally entering the country from Ukraine. The law, passed by Parliament in February 2025, was challenged unsuccessfully by far-right parties in the Constitutional Court. Its implementation aims to bolster Romania’s defense capabilities against such incursions.
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China aided Pakistan in restructuring its air defense systems and satellite coverage, enabling enhanced tracking of Indian troop and air movements. This collaboration, involving the redeployment of Pakistani radar systems, followed the April 22 attack in Kashmir. The assistance allegedly facilitated Pakistan’s response to subsequent Indian military strikes. Pakistan claims to have shot down Indian fighter jets during this retaliation, while India has yet to officially confirm specific losses.
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Contrary to a Ukrainian intelligence warning, Russia did not launch an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile on May 18-19. The absence of any publicly available video footage of the launch, despite its likely visibility across a vast Siberian area, suggests the launch did not occur. While the reason remains unknown, this follows two previous failed Yars launches in 2023 and the inherent risk of failure in even advanced missile systems. Defense Express speculates that potential launch complications or a desire to avoid showcasing the inefficiency of Russia’s nuclear deterrent may have influenced the decision.
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John Q. Hosedrinker