The Trump administration proposed a deal where the U.S. would receive 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for billions of dollars in aid provided since the war began. This proposal, presented to President Zelenskyy in a draft contract, was intended as a reimbursement method rather than a direct purchase. Zelenskyy declined to immediately sign, requesting further review and consultation. While the proposal included potential U.S. troop deployment to secure the minerals, Defense Secretary Hegseth later stated that such deployment is not currently planned.
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Latvia’s parliament proposed amendments to ban Latvian travel agencies from offering tourism services to Russia and Belarus. This action, driven by security concerns, aims to mitigate risks to Latvian citizens, including potential human rights abuses and recruitment as spies. The proposed ban, stemming from increased arrests of Latvian nationals in Russia, would be incorporated into existing sanctions against both countries. The ban would affect all Latvian-registered tourism providers.
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A key communication cable near Evenes Air Base, home to Norway’s NATO QRA F-35 fighter jets and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, was deliberately severed via multiple deep cuts made with an angle grinder. Despite the strategic location of the cable near crucial military infrastructure, the Nordland Police District closed the case due to a lack of suspects. This incident follows recent warnings from the PST regarding potential Russian sabotage activities within Norway. The incident adds to a pattern of suspicious cable cutting incidents in recent years.
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A Ukrainian MiG-29 jet successfully struck a Russian drone team operating near the border in Kursk Oblast, destroying their position with a salvo of precision bombs. The target, a platoon from the 60th Motor Rifle Brigade, was launching drones that had been harassing Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast. This attack may represent a broader Ukrainian strategy to proactively target drone operators, particularly as Russia deploys more difficult-to-counter fiber-optic drones. The continued success of such raids, however, hinges on the ongoing supply of Western-made munitions, which faces uncertainty amid potential geopolitical shifts.
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President Zelensky rejected a U.S. proposal to cede half of Ukraine’s future mineral reserves in exchange for unspecified support. Ukrainian officials confirmed negotiations are ongoing, emphasizing a need for stronger security assurances from Western allies. Zelensky maintains Ukraine seeks a mutually beneficial partnership for resource development, not outright relinquishment of its assets. Discussions continue to address outstanding details and ensure equitable terms for resource extraction.
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In a controversial move, US Vice President JD Vance met with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party, prompting outrage in German political circles. This meeting, weeks before a German election, follows similar interactions between the AfD and figures close to Donald Trump, highlighting a growing US engagement with Europe’s far-right. Vance’s subsequent speech at the Munich Security Conference, criticizing European leaders for not working with far-right parties, further strained US-European relations. The German chancellor and other officials strongly condemned Vance’s actions and statements.
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At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated his demand for security guarantees before engaging in talks with Russia, a position supported by the Trump administration’s stated goal of ending the war. Vice President Vance met with Zelenskyy, though no major breakthroughs were announced, with both sides emphasizing a desire for peace but highlighting differing approaches to achieving it. The Trump administration’s pursuit of a swift resolution, potentially involving territorial concessions by Ukraine, has raised concerns among European allies regarding future security arrangements and the level of continued US support. This, coupled with a recent Russian drone strike on Chernobyl, has created uncertainty about the future of the conflict.
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President Claudia Sheinbaum warned US gun manufacturers of potential legal repercussions, specifically alleging complicity with terrorism, should the US designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. This expanded lawsuit would build upon previous litigation, citing the US Department of Justice’s acknowledgment that a significant percentage of weapons used by Mexican criminal groups originate in the US. Mexico contends that hundreds of thousands of US-manufactured firearms are smuggled across the border annually, contributing to the country’s ongoing drug violence crisis. This action comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries over drug trafficking and immigration.
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Driven by concerns over shifting U.S. security priorities, several European nations are developing a plan to deploy troops to Ukraine, bolstering any future peace agreement with Russia. This initiative, spearheaded by Britain and France, aims to provide Ukraine with crucial security guarantees, a need amplified by the U.S. rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership bid. While the force’s size and composition remain undefined, a robust contingent, exceeding peacekeeping capabilities, is considered necessary, with the U.S. potentially playing a supporting but non-deployable role. However, Ukraine emphasizes the vital need for American involvement in ensuring any security guarantees’ success.
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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal proposed a unified European army leveraging Ukraine’s combat experience, particularly in drone technology. He highlighted Ukraine’s rapid drone production capabilities, exceeding one million FPV drones in 2024, as a key asset for bolstering European defenses. Shmyhal further suggested that Ukraine’s battle-hardened military could potentially replace a significant portion of the US military presence in Europe, strengthening transatlantic relations. This proposal, while building upon existing initiatives like PESCO, emphasizes Ukraine’s strategic value and its commitment to EU membership.
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John Q. Hosedrinker