A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll exceeding 144, with hundreds more injured. The quake’s impact extended across Southeast Asia, from rural Myanmar villages embroiled in civil war to Bangkok’s high-rises, resulting in building collapses and significant damage. Myanmar, already grappling with years of conflict and a weak infrastructure, faces immense challenges in disaster response, contrasting sharply with better-equipped neighboring countries like Thailand. The situation is further complicated by limited communication and access in conflict zones within Myanmar, hindering rescue efforts and aid delivery.
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Anti-Erdogan protests in Turkey, sparked by the politically motivated arrest and disqualification of mayoral rival Ekrem Imamoglu, saw unexpected participation from a Pikachu-costumed protester who became a viral symbol of resistance. The demonstration, which resulted in approximately 1900 arrests and several journalist detentions, also featured other costumed figures. Police used water cannons and riot gear to disperse the crowds, with even some officers reportedly posing for pictures with the Pikachu protestor. The protests highlight growing dissent against President Erdoğan’s actions.
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Sweden announced its largest military rearmament plan since the Cold War, involving a €27 billion investment to reach 3.5% of GDP in defense spending by 2030. This includes €2.31 billion for new defense materiel (2026-2028), a €8.86 million investment to combat hybrid threats, and an increased €3.69 billion military aid package for Ukraine. A key component focuses on bolstering northern defenses with two new mechanized brigades for subarctic warfare, operational by 2028. The plan is partially funded through loans and was agreed upon with the Sweden Democrats.
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Norway has updated its travel advisory for the U.S., echoing similar actions by other European nations. The changes, prompted by reported instances of European travelers facing detention and deportation, highlight stricter U.S. entry conditions and limitations on gender recognition in visa applications. Norway advises that a visa or ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry and that travelers whose gender differs from their birth certificate should contact the U.S. embassy beforehand. This follows recent updates from Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, reflecting growing concerns among European governments about U.S. immigration policies.
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Receiving the Star of Ukraine Award, Senator McConnell criticized President Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine. He expressed concern that some of the president’s advisors lack the commitment necessary to deter Russian aggression, warning of a potential outcome where Russia prevails and the U.S. suffers a defeat. McConnell highlighted the damaging effects of courting adversaries while alienating allies, characterizing such actions as naive and revealing. His remarks come amidst growing European anxieties regarding the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
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During a visit to an Arctic naval base, Vladimir Putin declared his intention to “finish off” Ukraine, asserting Russian forces hold the strategic initiative. He dismissed the size of the British army as insignificant following the announcement of a British-French “reassurance force” for Ukraine. Putin also questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signing any peace agreement, suggesting future elections under external governance might be necessary. This comes as Britain and France, along with Germany, plan to send military chiefs to Ukraine to assess the feasibility of deploying the force, despite some disagreement among European allies.
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Portugal has updated its travel advisory for the U.S., warning citizens that entry isn’t guaranteed even with proper documentation, mirroring advisories from other European nations. The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of truthful declarations regarding travel purpose and cautions against transiting through Canada or Mexico before returning to the U.S. Furthermore, Portugal advises non-binary citizens to use their assigned-at-birth gender on entry forms, reflecting U.S. policy changes. This follows recent high-profile incidents of U.S. border agents denying entry to travelers, raising concerns about stricter immigration enforcement.
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Following a summit in Paris, a coalition of willing nations will establish deterrence forces in Ukraine, stationed in strategic areas away from the conflict’s frontlines, potentially near the Dnipro River. These forces, comprising personnel from multiple countries and encompassing land, air, and sea capabilities, will complement—not replace—both Ukrainian forces and potential future peacekeepers. France and Britain will lead military teams to Ukraine to plan the long-term strengthening of its armed forces. The deterrence force’s creation, initiated at Ukraine’s request, remains in its planning stages.
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A new US draft deal proposes near-total American control over Ukraine’s critical minerals, energy assets, and related infrastructure. This significantly escalates previous demands, granting the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund sweeping authority. Ukrainian officials express concerns about the deal’s potential to compromise national sovereignty and increase dependence on the US. The proposal omits security guarantees for Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable. This contrasts sharply with earlier, less extensive proposals.
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The US has presented Ukraine with a revised agreement concerning the management of its natural resources, demanding a joint investment fund overseen by a US-majority board. This significantly expands upon a previous proposal, granting Washington veto power and priority access to revenues and infrastructure projects. Ukrainian officials have strongly criticized the agreement as unfair and potentially detrimental to their sovereignty, citing concerns about resource control and financial dependence on the US. While the deal currently excludes nuclear assets, the possibility of future negotiations regarding nuclear energy infrastructure remains a concern.
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John Q. Hosedrinker