Malta’s controversial “golden passport” program, allowing citizenship for investment, has granted passports to at least seven individuals subsequently sanctioned by the US, EU, or Ukraine for their ties to Russia’s war. This includes sanctioned Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan, who obtained citizenship in 2015. While at least one passport has been revoked following a criminal conviction, the program’s continued operation has prompted the European Commission to file a lawsuit against Malta, arguing it undermines the integrity of EU citizenship. The court ruling is pending.
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During a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European Commission President von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s pursuit of a just and lasting peace through negotiations. Zelenskyy also met with US President Trump, who suggested a need for a different approach to peace negotiations with Putin, possibly involving sanctions. Further bilateral meetings with French President Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer took place, though specifics remain undisclosed. These meetings underscore the ongoing international diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine.
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On the 39th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, a ceremony in Prypyat honored the victims and cleanup crews (“liquidators”). Attendees included survivors, relatives, government officials, and plant employees, who laid flowers and observed a minute of silence. State awards were presented to both Chernobyl liquidators and those responding to a 2025 Russian drone strike on the plant’s containment structure. The ceremony also acknowledged the bravery of those who remained at the plant during the 2022 Russian invasion, highlighting the ongoing nuclear threat and the lasting impact of the 1986 catastrophe.
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Ukraine’s General Staff reported 62,400 Russian military casualties in Kursk Oblast, comprising 25,200 irreversible losses and 36,200 injuries, along with 983 prisoners of war. This follows Russia’s claim of recapturing the oblast and the involvement of North Korean troops, a claim denied by Ukraine, which also reported over 4,500 North Korean casualties. The Ukrainian operation, launched in August 2024, aimed to disrupt a planned Russian offensive and divert resources from eastern Ukraine.
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German authorities arrested two German-Russian men, Dieter S. and Alexander J., on suspicion of espionage and plotting attacks on German infrastructure, including potential U.S. military facilities. Dieter S. allegedly planned sabotage to hinder German military aid to Ukraine, gathering intelligence on targets and scouting locations with Alexander J.’s assistance. A judge ordered both men held in custody, while Interior Minister Nancy Faeser affirmed Germany’s continued support for Ukraine and its commitment to counter Russian threats. The alleged targets reportedly included the U.S. Grafenwoehr military base.
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President Andrzej Duda’s call for Ukrainian concessions to end the war with Russia prompted Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to warn against appeasement, likening Duda to Neville Chamberlain. Sikorski’s criticism followed Duda’s suggestion that a peace deal requires compromise from Ukraine and his belief that Donald Trump could end the conflict. This disagreement highlights the differing views within Poland regarding the war and potential peace negotiations, with the government holding a more critical stance towards Russia than the President. Sikorski expressed hope that Duda would raise the Ukraine issue with Trump, while also acknowledging Europe’s increased military mobilization spurred by fear of both Putin and Trump.
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Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Putin the complete liberation of Kursk Oblast from Ukrainian forces, claiming a significant Ukrainian loss of 76,000 personnel. Gerasimov specifically acknowledged the contribution of North Korean troops in this operation. Putin declared the Ukrainian incursion a failed “adventure.” However, Ukraine disputes the Russian claims of heavy losses and reports ongoing fighting along the border, with Russian forces massing troops near Sumy Oblast.
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German authorities arrested two German-Russian nationals in Bavaria for suspected espionage on behalf of Russia. The suspects, Dieter S. and Alexander J., are accused of scouting potential targets for attacks, including U.S. military facilities, to undermine German support for Ukraine. Dieter S. allegedly planned sabotage operations, while Alexander J. assisted in information gathering. The arrests have heightened concerns regarding Russian espionage within Germany and prompted a strong response from the German government.
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Russian authorities claim to have apprehended a Ukrainian resident with a Ukrainian residence permit, alleging his involvement in the car bombing that killed Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik. The suspect allegedly purchased the vehicle and planted the explosive device, which the FSB says was remotely detonated from Ukraine. Released footage shows the suspect in custody, apparently confessing to recruitment by Ukrainian special services, though the circumstances of this confession remain unclear. The incident occurred the same day as a meeting between a US envoy and Vladimir Putin, sparking further geopolitical tension.
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President Trump condemned Russian President Putin’s targeting of Ukrainian civilian areas, stating there was no justification for such actions. He suggested that Putin’s continued attacks indicate a lack of desire to end the war. Trump proposed the implementation of further sanctions, possibly targeting Russian banking, to address Putin’s behavior. This escalation, he emphasized, is necessary due to the unacceptable loss of innocent lives.
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John Q. Hosedrinker