Report for Thursday, June 5, 2025

Report for Thursday, June 5, 2025

• Trump issues travel ban for 12 countries, citing security concerns
  
  
• Putin tells Trump that Russia will respond to Ukrainian attack
  
  
• The Ukrainian Spy Agency Behind the Stunning Strike on Russia’s Bomber Fleet
  
  
• How the Houthis Rattled the U.S. Navy—and Transformed Maritime War
  
  
• Ukrainian intelligence reports extensive hack of Russian strategic bomber manufacturer

THE AMERICAS

A drone strike devastated Russia’s air force. The U.S. is vulnerable, too. Ukraine’s devastating June 1 drone strike on Russian air bases has triggered alarm among U.S. military officials and lawmakers, who now see a clear and immediate vulnerability in America’s own defenses. Using cheap, AI-guided drones smuggled in trucks and activated near Russian runways, Ukraine destroyed or damaged at least 13 aircraft — including strategic bombers — in a low-cost, high-impact asymmetric attack. Experts warn such tactics could be replicated against exposed U.S. bombers or naval bases, particularly in the Pacific. While military leaders like Gen. David Allvin called the strike a “wake-up moment,” analysts say U.S. infrastructure remains far behind adversaries like China, which has built over 400 hardened aircraft shelters compared to just 22 by the U.S. in the region. Both parties in Congress are now calling for urgent investment in counter-drone systems and base fortifications. The attack has reshaped global perceptions of drone warfare — and underscored how traditional military dominance may no longer guarantee security. Washington PostPolitico

Trump issues travel ban for 12 countries, citing security concerns. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new travel ban on Wednesday targeting 12 countries, citing national security risks and inadequate vetting systems. The ban fully restricts entry from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He is also partially restricting and limiting entry of nationals from seven countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The nations are mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia and the Caribbean. Exemptions apply for permanent residents, current visa holders, and certain national interest cases. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said in justifying the move in a video. “"We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.” The order came shortly after a terror attack in Colorado by an Egyptian visa overstayer, though Egypt is not on the list. Critics labeled the move discriminatory and opportunistic. Legal challenges are likely, but Trump’s team points to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that upheld a similar ban. AxiosWashington PostNew York TimesPolitico Bloomberg

Trump Stymied in ‘Art of the Deal’ Approach to World’s Strongmen. President Donald Trump’s second term promise to broker swift deals with authoritarian leaders has faltered. In just 48 hours, he was rebuffed by Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei as Putin dismissed peace talks over Ukraine, Xi ramped up trade pressure with export controls, and Iran rejected a U.S. nuclear proposal. Trump publicly acknowledged Xi’s toughness and admitted his conversation with Putin wouldn’t lead to immediate peace. Critics argue Trump is gentler with adversaries than allies, losing leverage while downplaying sanctions. Meanwhile, countries like China and Russia are exploiting U.S. vulnerabilities—Xi targets rare earth exports while Putin frames Ukrainian attacks as provocations. Trump’s reluctance to escalate pressure, including accepting Putin’s rhetoric and avoiding sanctions, has led to concern that he may disengage from key global conflicts. Allies and opponents alike are testing whether Trump’s “deal-making” persona still holds weight in today’s multipolar landscape. Bloomberg

Pentagon names its picks for chiefs of CENTOM, AFRICOM, SOCOM. The Pentagon has announced nominations for new leaders of three key U.S. military commands. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, known for advancing unmanned and AI capabilities at the U.S. Fifth Fleet, is nominated to lead U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). He previously led operations countering Iranian and Houthi threats. For U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson is the nominee; he previously oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Somalia and has extensive experience in global contingencies. His appointment may signal that earlier discussions of merging AFRICOM with EUCOM are on hold. Vice Adm. Frank Bradley, a Navy SEAL and veteran of post-9/11 deployments, has been nominated to head U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He currently leads Joint Special Operations Command and would receive a fourth star upon confirmation. Breaking Defense

Less ships, more bombs: Senate unveils its version of $150 billion defense reconciliation package. The Senate Armed Services Committee has released its $150 billion defense reconciliation bill, which largely aligns with the House version but includes key funding shifts. Shipbuilding took the biggest hit, dropping $5 billion to $29 billion, while munitions funding rose to $23 billion, including $500 million for U.S.-based production. The bill boosts drone and AI spending to $16 billion and expands support for small drone industries. Nuclear modernization funding rose to $15 billion, with $2.5 billion for the Sentinel ICBM program. Air superiority funding increased to $9 billion, including $750 million for the Navy’s F/A-XX fighter. The bill also adds money for Air Force counter-air tech, Marine unmanned combat aircraft, and readiness efforts. Indo-Pacific spending rose to $12 billion, while border security funding was cut to $3.3 billion. The Golden Dome and servicemember quality of life funding remained unchanged. The bill supports Trump-era defense priorities and reflects bipartisan convergence on core national security goals. Breaking Defense

White House taps special ops vet for key Latin America post, sources say. U.S. officials say the Trump administration has appointed retired Air Force special operations commander Michael Jensen as the new senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the National Security Council (NSC). Jensen, who lacks direct Latin America policy experience, has a background in counterterrorism and special operations, including missions targeting al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. His selection follows President Trump’s heightened rhetoric on drug cartels, including a proposal to send U.S. troops into Mexico, and the designation of six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Jensen’s appointment comes amid major upheaval at the NSC, which recently underwent a broad restructuring, including staff cuts and a shift in focus from policymaking to implementation. Some foreign diplomats have expressed concern about reduced access to NSC counterparts amid the changes. The White House has not officially confirmed Jensen’s appointment but defended the overhaul as a move to streamline operations. Reuters

Judge halts deportation of Colorado gasoline attack suspect's family. A federal judge in Colorado temporarily blocked the deportation of Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s wife and five children on Wednesday, warning that removal without legal process could cause irreparable harm. Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is charged with attempted murder and a hate crime after allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails at a peaceful group advocating for hostages held in Gaza, injuring 15 people. Homeland Security had detained his family, including two teens and three younger children, and planned to deport them using expedited removal, a process typically used for individuals who entered the U.S. illegally and have been in the country for less than two years. The family, who entered legally in 2022 and applied for asylum, challenged this move. Their lawyers argue deporting them would be unlawful and amounts to collective punishment. The White House condemned the move, asserting that "this judicial coup must end.” Wall Street JournalAxiosAssociated PressThe Guardian

Trump’s Late-Night Lament Over Xi Deepens Impasse in Trade Fight. President Trump is pushing for a personal call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve escalating trade and technology tensions, but Xi is resisting until certain conditions are met. Trump, frustrated by the lack of progress, publicly criticized Xi’s obstinance in a late-night post, calling him “VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” China, meanwhile, is strengthening trade ties with Europe and preparing a major Airbus purchase, highlighting its pivot away from the U.S. The core of the impasse lies in conflicting negotiating styles—Trump favors direct talks, while Beijing prefers groundwork at lower levels first. China wants access to advanced U.S. chips and fewer investment restrictions, while Washington continues to demand concessions over trade imbalances and national security concerns, particularly around rare earth exports. But China is now more economically resilient, and its leaders are wary of Trump’s unpredictability and lack of follow-through, contributing to the current diplomatic deadlock. Bloomberg

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Putin tells Trump that Russia will respond to Ukrainian attack.President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to retaliate for Ukraine’s drone attacks on strategic bomber airfields, following a 75-minute phone call between the two leaders on Wednesday. Trump acknowledged the conversation would not lead to immediate peace and notably avoided criticizing Putin or endorsing additional U.S. sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia’s demands at recent Istanbul peace talks “an ultimatum” and proposed an unconditional ceasefire before a potential summit. Putin dismissed the idea of talks with a “terrorist regime,” blaming Kyiv for rail bombings and accusing it of sabotaging diplomacy. Despite exchanges of peace memos and plans for a large prisoner swap, both sides remain far apart on terms. Meanwhile, Trump has emphasized working with Putin on Iran’s nuclear program, reflecting a broader shift away from U.S. leadership in Ukraine negotiations. The Pentagon chief's absence from a key NATO meeting further underscores growing uncertainty about continued U.S. support for Kyiv. Washington PostReuters BloombergFinancial Times

US Is Redirecting Critical Anti Drone Technology from Ukraine to US Forces. The Trump administration has redirected critical anti drone fuses originally earmarked for Ukraine to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East, citing urgent needs to defend against potential Iranian or Houthi drone threats. The proximity fuses—key components of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System—were to support Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian drones. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the reallocation, bypassing previously planned deliveries to Kyiv, and skipped a NATO meeting on coordinating Ukraine aid, reinforcing the administration’s message that Europe must lead future support. The Pentagon labeled the diversion an “Urgent Issue,” but declined public comment. Critics, including Celeste Wallander, who worked for former President Joe Biden, warned that the move undermines Ukraine’s layered air defense. The Trump administration has not requested additional aid to Ukraine and has prioritized U.S. military needs, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. The Senate Armed Services Committee is investigating and may propose boosting production of the affected components. Wall Street Journal

Zelensky Calls on Putin To Sign Cease-Fire, Meet Him 'Any Day.' During a Wednesday briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to sign a ceasefire and meet with him “any day,” proposing that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump also attend. He said further lower-level diplomatic meetings in Istanbul were “pointless” after recent rounds failed to yield progress. Zelensky accused Russia of using the negotiations as a delaying tactic to avoid new U.S. sanctions and dismissed Moscow’s proposals as ultimatums. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness for prisoner exchanges but rejected any deal that required surrender. Putin, speaking later, rejected the cease-fire offer and accused Kyiv of terrorism and using any pause to rearm. RFE/RL

In a call with Putin, Pope Leo urges Russia to support peace. Pope Leo held his first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, urging Russia to make a gesture toward peace in Ukraine and emphasizing the importance of dialogue. The Vatican’s unusually detailed readout confirmed the conversation covered humanitarian aid, prisoner exchanges, and the role of Vatican envoy Cardinal Zuppi. Putin thanked the pope but accused Ukraine of escalating the war and conducting sabotage, while dismissing the Vatican as a venue for peace talks. He also called on the Holy See to support the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which Kyiv has investigated over ties to Russia. Ukrainian authorities, meanwhile, accuse Moscow of religious repression in occupied territories. Despite tensions, both sides acknowledged limited progress in prisoner-related negotiations. ReutersKyiv Independent

Ukraine hit fewer Russian planes than it estimated, US officials say. Ukraine’s recent long-range drone offensive, dubbed “Operation Spiderweb,” targeted four Russian air bases deep inside Russian territory, striking strategic bombers central to Moscow’s nuclear triad. U.S. officials now estimate 10 Russian aircraft were destroyed—far fewer than Ukraine’s initial claim of 20 destroyed and 41 damaged. Visual forensics from The Washington Post and satellite imagery confirm at least 13 planes were damaged, including multiple Tu-95s and Tu-22s—irreplaceable Soviet-era bombers. The attack, planned over 18 months, used drones hidden in civilian vehicles, exposing Russian air defense vulnerabilities. While Kyiv hails the operation as a major success, it has sparked serious escalation risks. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg warned the strike on nuclear-capable systems raises the likelihood of Russian retaliation. President Vladimir Putin conveyed such concerns in a phone call with President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the gravity but saw no immediate path to peace. The U.S. received no prior warning, and Russia urged restraint from Western backers. ReutersWashington Post

How Ukraine pulled off an audacious attack deep inside Russia. Ukraine’s June 1 drone strike deep inside Russia, dubbed “Spider’s Web,” showcased a breakthrough in covert warfare tactics, with exclusive details revealed by Reuters. The operation involved 117 short-range FPV drones smuggled into Russia and hidden inside wooden sheds mounted on trucks with retractable roofs. These mobile launchers were parked just kilometers from key airbases, including Belaya, 4,850 kilometers from Kyiv. Some drones used AI guidance to complete missions autonomously after losing the operator signal. Ukrainian operatives—already back in Ukraine by the time of the launch—had spent 18 months preparing for the mission. According to the Russian-linked outlet Baza, the operation was fronted by a Ukrainian-run transport firm that used unwitting drivers. The attack damaged or destroyed up to 13 strategic bombers, including rare Tu-95s and Tu-22s, which are no longer in production.Reuters

The Ukrainian Spy Agency Behind the Stunning Strike on Russia’s Bomber Fleet. Ukraine’s SBU security service has transformed into an elite covert operations force, gaining global attention after its devastating long-range drone strike, “Operation Spiderweb,” which damaged 41 Russian warplanes across four airfields. Once tainted by corruption and Russian infiltration, the SBU under Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk has become the spearhead of Ukraine’s unconventional warfare. The agency has led high-profile assassinations, sabotage missions, and attacks on Russia’s military infrastructure, including naval drone strikes on the Black Sea Fleet and bombing the Kerch Bridge. Maliuk, a field-experienced, tech-savvy leader, emphasizes innovation, often personally overseeing missions. The Spiderweb operation involved smuggling drones into Russia, assembling them locally, and deploying them via trucks with AI-assisted guidance. The SBU’s success has dramatically boosted its public standing, with trust rising from 23% in 2021 to 73% in 2023. It is now central to Ukraine’s asymmetric strategy to offset Russia’s manpower and equipment advantage deep inside enemy territory. Wall Street Journal

US Said to Deny Air Cover to Europe Force in Postwar Ukraine. The U.S. is reportedly refusing to provide air defenses for a proposed UK- and French-led “reassurance force” in postwar Ukraine, highlighting divisions between Washington and its European allies over security guarantees. European leaders, particularly British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have pushed for a U.S. backstop to deter future Russian aggression, but have concluded that President Donald Trump is unlikely to commit to such a measure. Instead, Europe is shifting toward a model relying on Ukrainian forces, allied training, and European troops. Although air surveillance and intelligence support may still be provided, firm U.S. military guarantees appear to be off the table. The force’s deployment is now on hold pending progress in ceasefire talks. NATO is urging its members to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP to meet new security goals and appease Trump’s demand that Europe assume greater responsibility. Only a few coalition countries have firmly committed troops, despite broader pledges of equipment and aircraft. Bloomberg

China helps Russia pull ahead in lethal drone war race with Ukraine. Russia is rapidly closing the drone warfare gap with Ukraine, largely due to covert technological support from Chinese manufacturers, according to Ukrainian officials. China denies providing drone components, but Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia relies heavily on Chinese-sourced electronics, navigation systems, and engines, often routed through shell companies to evade sanctions. Ukraine initially dominated the drone war, producing over 1 million tactical drones in 2024. However, Russia has since scaled up to 300 long-range drones daily and plans to reach 500, backed by vast financial resources and production hubs far from the front. Kyiv alleges China has cut off drone exports to Ukraine while keeping them available to Russia. To stay competitive, Ukraine is ramping up production of interceptor drones and calling for more Western funding. Meanwhile, Russia’s deployment of fiber-optic-controlled drones and advanced electronic warfare is degrading Ukraine’s effectiveness, forcing Kyiv to reconfigure systems and seek innovative strategies to stay ahead constantly. Politico EU

North Korea's Kim vows unconditional support for Russia on Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday and pledged unconditional support for Russia’s stance on Ukraine and broader foreign policy, according to state media on June 5. Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to uphold the terms of a mutual defense treaty signed during President Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea, which obliges both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked. The meeting also emphasized the expansion of strategic cooperation across various fields, further solidifying the growing military and political alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang amid rising global tensions. ReutersBloomberg

5 killed, 6 injured in Russian drone strike on Chernihiv Oblast. A Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky early Thursday killed five civilians, including a one-year-old child, and injured six others, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The attack, involving at least six Shahed-136 drones, hit residential areas, destroyed multiple buildings, and sparked large fires. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the damage. Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus confirmed the casualties and said victims were found under rubble. The strike is part of Russia’s intensified air campaign targeting northern Ukraine, despite growing international calls for a ceasefire. Kyiv Independent

Russian drones strike dwellings in Kharkiv, injure 17, governor says. Russian drones struck residential buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, around 1 a.m. on Thursday, injuring 17 people, including two children, and sparking fires, according to Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that seven apartment buildings were damaged, with two suffering direct hits—one on the 17th floor and another on the second. A photo showed extensive destruction to one unit. Kharkiv, located just 30 km from the Russian border, has been repeatedly targeted by drone and missile attacks throughout the ongoing war. Russia has not commented, and Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Reuters

ISW Russian Occupation Update for Wednesday, June 4. Russia is escalating efforts to forcibly integrate occupied Ukrainian territories by removing Ukrainian children, militarizing youth, exploiting resources, and restructuring infrastructure. Occupation officials plan to deport at least 53,000 children to Russian run “summer camps,” many of which promote military training and indoctrination. Programs like “Movement of the First” issue Russian passports and teach children to handle weapons. Simultaneously, Russia is investing in housing, schools, ports, and power infrastructure in occupied regions to entrench control and stimulate resource extraction. Projects include restoring 15,000 buildings and expanding the Berdyansk port for export use. Additionally, Russia is laying power lines to integrate Ukraine’s energy grid—especially the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—into its own, deepening reliance on Russian utilities and complicating future reintegration with Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment for Wednesday, June 4.The Kremlin is using recent Russian train derailments to accuse Ukraine of terrorism and illegitimacy, aiming to distract from its lack of interest in serious peace negotiations. President Vladimir Putin repeated these accusations in a Wednesday call with U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming Ukraine sabotaged the Istanbul talks and cannot be trusted as a negotiating partner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to stress Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate, proposing a mutual ceasefire and offering to meet Putin without preconditions. During the June 1 “Operation Spider Web” targeting Russian strategic bomber aircraft, the Security Service of Ukraine revealed it used artificial intelligence algorithms to guide some drones autonomously when connections were lost during the operation. Germany announced that Ukraine’s first domestically produced long-range weapon will soon be fielded.

Battlefield update: Ukrainian forces advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Toretsk. Institute for the Study of War

EUROPE

NATO Is Laying Plans to Keep Trump Happy at High-Stakes Summit. NATO is planning a tightly scripted summit on June 25 in The Hague aimed at appeasing U.S. President Donald Trump by centering the agenda on a bold new defense spending target: 5% of GDP. To minimize friction, leaders will hold only a single working session and issue a one-page statement. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has built consensus around the benchmark, with discussions on splitting the 5% into 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for infrastructure and cybersecurity. The US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, made clear this commitment is Washington’s key priority. Ukraine has been invited to the summit, but NATO will not renew its €40 billion aid pledge from last year. President Volodymyr Zelensky may attend the royal dinner on the eve of the summit, but it is unclear whether the Ukrainian leader will be present at the main session, part of a strategy aimed at not provoking Trump. Allies remain divided on how to reference Russia’s war, especially after the Trump administration pulled back U.S. condemnations in international forums like the United Nations and G7. BloombergPolitico EU

EU frees up billions in Covid cash for defense spending. The European Commission is allowing the 27 member states of the European Union to redirect unused COVID-19 relief funds—intended initially for green and digital projects—to defense spending. This shift marks a major policy change as geopolitical tensions, especially since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have pushed security to the forefront. Up to €335 billion remains in the Resilience and Recovery Facility (RRF), and countries have until August 2026 to meet reform targets to access it. Defense-related programs, such as satellite communications and cybersecurity, can now qualify. However, the Commission is rejecting requests to extend the deadline, warning that doing so would require complex legislative changes and risk deadlock. Member states are encouraged to revise unfeasible projects or scale up existing ones. Countries with delays, such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, risk losing funds. Hungary has yet to submit any payment request, with its disbursement tied to rule-of-law reforms. The move aims to align recovery funds with evolving EU priorities, especially defense integration. Politico EU

Germany is building a big, scary army. Germany is undergoing a dramatic military transformation, committing to build the strongest conventional army in Europe. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, plus 1.5% for related infrastructure, totaling €215 billion annually. This shift follows years of underinvestment and reliance on U.S. protection, reversed by the Zeitenwende policy after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Germany’s first permanent foreign deployment since World War II, a 5,000-strong brigade in Lithuania, signals its deeper NATO engagement. Yet, internal challenges remain with slow procurement, outdated infrastructure, and a bureaucratic defense apparatus. Officials urge faster adoption of modern warfare tools, including AI and drone technologies. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is popular but faces skepticism over his ability to reform deeply entrenched systems. With troop numbers lagging, the government is preparing for a national debate on reinstating conscription. Public support for the military is rising, but political and societal consensus on long-term rearmament will be key to sustaining momentum. The Economist

How the world’s most feared drug cartels are waging war in Europe.Latin American drug cartels, particularly Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, are increasingly active in Europe, responding to rising cocaine demand and U.S. law enforcement pressure. French authorities discovered a meth lab in Le Val, run by Mexican chemists training locals to produce drugs. Europol warns of growing cartel links with European gangs, and similar operations have emerged in Belgium and the Netherlands. The cartels are exploiting Europe’s higher drug prices and softer enforcement climate, shipping cocaine via maritime containers and “narco subs.” A power struggle within Sinaloa, involving El Mayo and “Los Chapitos,” has further fueled expansion abroad. Violent Latin American gangs like MS-13 and Trinitarios are also embedding in Spain, turning immigrant-heavy suburbs into “gangster nurseries.” Authorities worry that cartel “sicarios” (hitmen) may follow the chemists, importing a brutal culture of violence. Officials stress the importance of targeting money laundering networks—often tied to Panama, Dubai, and cryptocurrencies—as a more vulnerable front in the global drug war. The Times

Europe’s dream of weaning off US tech receives a reality check. The European Commission is set to concede that Europe cannot yet wean itself off U.S. Big Tech, despite growing political momentum for digital sovereignty. A new International Digital Strategy, to be released Thursday, will emphasize global collaboration, especially with the U.S., but also with China, Japan, India, and South Korea—rather than full decoupling. Although European Union initiatives, such as the “Eurostack” and funding for AI supercomputers, aim to close the gap, American firms still dominate in cloud computing, AI, and microchips. The draft strategy acknowledges the U.S.’s superior innovation and Europe’s failure to capitalize on past tech revolutions. Some European cities and lawmakers are exploring ways to ditch U.S. providers, but the EU lacks viable alternatives. The strategy advocates for pragmatism, suggesting that Europe should focus on its strengths and strategic cooperation, rather than pursuing unrealistic independence. Tech chief Henna Virkkunen and groups like DigitalEurope support a transatlantic tech alliance as essential to security and economic prosperity. Politico EU

EU looks to impose sanctions on Putin simultaneously with US, says von der Leyen. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is prepared to coordinate new sanctions on Russia with the U.S. if President Putin refuses to engage in peace talks. Speaking on the Berlin Playbook Podcast, she emphasized that the EU’s upcoming 18th sanctions package will focus on targeting Russian energy and financial sources. Measures may include restrictions on Nord Stream-linked companies and lowering oil price caps. Von der Leyen also praised U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s bipartisan bill proposing 500% tariffs on imports from countries still buying Russian fossil fuels, though clarified such tariffs won’t be mirrored directly by the EU. Politico EU

Merz Has Courted and Criticized Trump from Afar. Now They Meet. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in Washington for a high-stakes inaugural visit aimed at stabilizing transatlantic relations. Merz, newly elected and still establishing his global profile, must navigate tensions over looming U.S. tariffs on European goods, waning American support for Ukraine, and NATO defense commitments. Though both leaders share business backgrounds and a dislike for ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Merz has publicly mocked Trump in the past, making their personal rapport uncertain. He plans to urge Trump to maintain support for Ukraine, avoid a trade war that could strengthen China's position, and acknowledge Europe’s growing defense efforts. Domestically, Merz is under pressure from the far-right AfD and needs to appear firm yet pragmatic. A successful visit may hinge less on breakthroughs than on avoiding public confrontation, while quietly aligning strategic goals behind closed doors. Bloomberg Wall Street JournalNew York Times

Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops in Moldovan breakaway region, PM warns. Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean has warned that Russia is attempting to deploy 10,000 troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria, aiming to pressure southwestern Ukraine and NATO-member Romania. Recean said Moscow is interfering in Moldova’s September 2025 parliamentary elections to install a pro-Kremlin government that would permit the troop buildup. Currently, around 1,500 Russian troops remain in Transnistria—mostly local personnel—with access limited due to geographical constraints. Recean cited intelligence indicating Russia's broader strategy involves online propaganda and illegal financial flows, including cash smuggling and vote-buying, amounting to 1% of Moldova’s GDP. In 2024, Russian efforts nearly derailed an EU referendum, which passed by just 0.7%. Moldova views the Russian troop presence as a sovereignty violation and is intensifying efforts to join the EU despite ongoing hybrid threats. The Kremlin has not commented on the allegations. Financial Times

Russia’s Wagner Group planned arson attack on London business with links to Ukraine, court is told. Six men are on trial in London for a March 2024 arson attack on a business supplying Starlink equipment to Ukraine, allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s Wagner Group. Prosecutors say the fire caused £1 million in damage and was part of a broader plan targeting businesses linked to a Russian dissident. Four men carried out the attack, while two others are charged with withholding information. Dylan Earl, who directed the operation via Telegram, was the first person charged under the U.K.’s National Security Act 2023. Evidence includes CCTV and a video of the attack live streamed by one of the suspects. Associated Press

Britain prepares to go all-in on nuclear power — after years of dither. After years of indecision, the U.K. government is preparing to commit fully to nuclear energy, driven by a looming spending review that requires critical investment decisions. Key announcements are expected, including the selection of a firm to build small modular reactors (SMRs) and a long-awaited financial commitment to the Sizewell C mega-plant. With most current nuclear plants set to retire by 2030, the urgency is mounting. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tied nuclear expansion to economic growth and energy security, but the Treasury remains cautious due to ballooning costs, like Hinkley Point C’s £46 billion budget, and nuclear’s slow delivery timeline. Despite Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s efforts, critics question whether nuclear is truly a priority compared to renewables. Still, insiders say the government now has no choice but to act, especially as pressure builds from allies like the U.S. and tech giants backing SMRs. The upcoming spending review may finally mark a turning point. Politico EU

UK Confronts Hard Reality of Rebuilding Its Military Prowess. Britain is confronting the harsh reality of its weakened defense capabilities after decades of underinvestment, flawed procurement, and poor recruitment. Amid rising threats from Russia and pressure from the U.S. to bolster its own security, the UK is ramping up defense efforts, including plans for six new ammunition factories and expanded nuclear and advanced weapons programs. BAE Systems' munitions plant in northeast England is now operating 24/7 to meet growing demand. Despite pledging to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, experts warn that this is insufficient to rebuild the military fully. NATO is urging allies to spend up to 5% of GDP, a move that could cost Britain an additional £350 billion. Political resistance and fiscal constraints pose major hurdles, yet the government is under pressure to accelerate funding, improve supply chains, and partner with European allies. Britain's defense revival hinges on restoring industrial capacity and making swift, strategic investments in military readiness. Bloomberg

Swedish court convicts one man of IS membership, acquits three. A Swedish appeals court on Thursday upheld the conviction of one man for being a member of a terrorist organization after he swore allegiance to the Islamic State. However, it overturned the convictions of three others, ruling there was insufficient evidence they acted on behalf of the group. The men were arrested in 2024 and charged with terrorism-related offenses spanning September 2023 to March 2024. All four had pleaded not guilty. Reuters

THE MIDDLE EAST

How the Houthis Rattled the U.S. Navy—and Transformed Maritime War. Over the past year, the U.S. Navy has engaged in its most intense maritime combat since World War II, battling Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea. The campaign, which included 30 U.S. vessels and cost over $1.5 billion in munitions, aimed to stop Houthi attacks on shipping and Israel. Despite tactical successes, the strategic goal of restoring safe passage through the Red Sea remains unmet. The Houthis, operating from rudimentary bases in Yemen, used advanced Iranian-supplied drones and missiles, adapting their tactics to challenge even the most advanced U.S. naval systems. They downed over a dozen U.S. Reaper drones and forced Navy ships into near-constant readiness, and the USS Harry S. Truman strike group lost three fighter jets and experienced a collision at sea. American military efforts evolved from delayed, cautious strikes under the Biden administration to more aggressive, real-time targeting under President Trump, culminating in Operation Rough Rider. Despite heavy bombardment that killed hundreds of fighters and destroyed key assets, the Houthis remained resilient, continuing attacks on Israel even after a U.S.-brokered cease-fire paused direct conflict with American forces. The campaign exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. force readiness and highlighted how non-state actors can significantly challenge conventional military power, raising concerns about future readiness—especially as tensions with China loom. Wall Street Journal

In since deleted post, Trump says Iran "slow walking" following negative response to White House nuclear deal offer.President Trump on Wednesday accused Iran of deliberately delaying its response to a U.S. nuclear proposal, just hours after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei harshly criticized the deal. In an online post, which was subsequently deleted, Trump said the Islamic Republic “has been slow walking” in the talks, asserting that “time is running out.” Khamenei rejected U.S. interference in Iran’s right to enrich uranium, calling the proposal an insult to Tehran’s self-reliance and nuclear achievements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this stance, declaring that any deal must allow enrichment, and maintaining that his country would not abandon its technological progress. Trump insisted Iran must provide a clear decision soon. He also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports his stance and offered to help mediate. A new round of talks could occur this weekend, as the two-month deadline set by Trump nears its end. Axios Times of Israel

US vetoes UN Security Council’s urgent call for Gaza ceasefire.The U.S. has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, marking its first such veto during President Trump’s second term. The resolution, supported by the other 14 council members, was blocked by Washington for failing to condemn Hamas or requiring it to disarm and leave Gaza. U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea argued the draft undermined ongoing ceasefire negotiations and falsely equated Hamas with Israel. The resolution also demanded unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, but the U.S. criticized it for not tying a ceasefire to the release of the 58 hostages, including four Americans, still held by Hamas. Axios Reuters UN NewsAssociated PressBBC

U.S.-backed group distributing aid in Gaza delays reopening sites.The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) halted aid distribution in Gaza after deadly shootings near its Rafah site and had not reopened by mid-morning Thursday. GHF cited the need for maintenance but gave no reopening timeline. The group, criticized by the UN for lacking neutrality and bypassing traditional aid channels, claims to have distributed 7 million meals. Amid Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and Eid al-Adha, food remains scarce, especially in the north. Israel, meanwhile, continued its offensive against Hamas, killing 16 Palestinians on Thursday, as pressure mounts following a U.S. veto of a UN ceasefire resolution. Reuters

In 2024, Israel inked a record $14.8 billion in defense deals, despite Gaza war concern. Israel signed a record $15 billion in defense contracts in 2024, marking a 13% increase from the previous year despite intensifying global condemnation over its war in Gaza. More than half of the deals were with European countries, with others involving the Asia-Pacific region, Arab nations under the Abraham Accords, North America, Latin America, and Africa. Key sales included missiles, air defense systems, armored vehicles, and cyber and intelligence systems. Defense Minister Israel Katz attributed the surge in contracts to Israel's military performance since the October 7 Hamas attack, claiming that global partners see strength in Israel. Meanwhile, international criticism is mounting over the Jewish state’s conduct in Gaza, where over 54,000 people have reportedly been killed, mostly women and children, and much of the region has been devastated. Some countries, like Spain, have begun canceling defense deals, and others have suspended trade talks or called for broader trade freezes with Israel. Associated PressNew York Times

Large majority of Germans want tighter controls on arms exports to Israel. A June poll by public broadcaster ARD shows that 73% of Germans support tighter restrictions on arms exports to Israel, with 30% favoring a total ban. The findings reflect growing public concern over Germany’s continued military support for Israel amid its controversial war in Gaza. Since Hamas' October 2023 attack, Berlin has remained a close ally and the second-largest arms supplier to Israel, approving over €485 million in military exports. However, public opinion is shifting. The survey found that 74% of Germans oppose unconditional support for Israel, and 63% believe Israel's military response in Gaza has gone too far. Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently criticized Israel’s intensified airstrikes as unjustified, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul suggested potential consequences, including arms export sanctions. The poll also revealed that 55% of respondents reject the idea that Germany bears a special responsibility to protect Israel due to the Holocaust. Reuters

BCG Had Doubts About Gaza Aid Project Before It Pulled Out. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has ended its involvement in a controversial American Israeli initiative to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing concerns over the lack of international support and increasing violence surrounding the effort. Initially engaged on a pro bono basis, BCG expected the project—now known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—to be backed by a broad, international coalition. However, global aid groups have refused to cooperate, criticizing the plan for putting civilians at risk and violating humanitarian principles. BCG confirmed that as of last week it had ceased all involvement in the project. The firm also placed a senior partner on administrative leave and launched a review of its role in the project. The initiative, promoted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to bypass Hamas by distributing aid directly to Gazan families through U.S. security firms, but it has drawn criticism from the UN and European governments for undermining neutrality and safety. Wall Street Journal

Syria to give inspectors immediate access to suspected former nuclear sites. Syria’s new government has reportedly agreed to grant immediate access to suspected former nuclear sites for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi. Speaking from Damascus on Wednesday after meeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Grossi told the Associated Press that the move signals a shift toward international cooperation and transparency. The inspections aim to clarify past nuclear activities believed to be weapons-related, particularly around a reactor destroyed by Israel in 2007. Grossi noted that Syria’s new leadership has shown interest in pursuing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, such as medical applications and potentially small modular reactors for power. The IAEA will also assist Damascus in rebuilding its nuclear medicine and health infrastructure, damaged by years of civil war. Grossi emphasized the importance of locating any enriched uranium that may remain unaccounted for, due to risks of trafficking or misuse. Associated Press

US green lights possible $325 million sale of sustainment support for Abrams tanks to Kuwait.The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $325 million sale to Kuwait for equipment and services to support its M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. The deal includes sustainment support to maintain the tanks' operational readiness. General Dynamics will be the principal contractor for the sale. Reuters U.S. Department of Defense

ASIA & OCEANIA

China urges EU to stop 'provoking trouble' in South China Sea. The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has criticized the European Union for "provoking trouble" in the hotly disputed South China Sea, following comments by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during her visit to Manila. China urged the EU to respect its territorial claims and maritime rights, asserting that the bloc has no authority to intervene. The embassy also warned Manila against relying on external powers and instead called for dialogue with China. This response came after the EU and the Philippines jointly expressed concern over Beijing’s "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures" actions in the region. China claims most of the South China Sea, overlapping with several Southeast Asian nations’ exclusive economic zones. Reuters

Philippines, U.S., hold joint maritime drills for seventh time.The Philippine and American militaries conducted their seventh joint sail in the South China Sea on Wednesday, focusing on enhancing interoperability and cooperation. The maritime exercises, held off Occidental Mindoro and Zambales away from disputed areas, included near-shore operations and fire support. The Philippine military described the activity as a commitment to international law and bilateral defense ties. The joint operation featured the newly commissioned Philippine frigate Miguel Malvar, part of a military modernization deal with South Korea. Military cooperation between the treaty allies has intensified under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has strengthened ties with Washington amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the fiercely contested South China Sea. Reuters

A subdued Tiananmen Square anniversary demonstrates China’s ability to extinguish history. On June 4, the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, China maintained its tight control over public memory, enforcing strict security and surveillance in Beijing and suppressing any commemoration. The government continues to censor references to the massacre, in which hundreds or possibly thousands were killed as the military crushed pro-democracy protests. Public remembrance is banned in mainland China and now in Hong Kong, where police detained several people who quietly marked the date, including a young woman holding flowers. Foreign embassies in Beijing attempted to mark the occasion, but their messages were swiftly censored. Only in Taiwan, which remains outside Chinese control, did large public vigils take place. President Lai Ching-te used the anniversary to highlight Taipei’s democratic values in contrast to China’s authoritarianism. The Tiananmen Mothers group again called for justice and truth, but their demands remain unacknowledged by the Chinese government. Associated PressRadio Free Asia

Guatemala reiterates support for 'brothers' in Taiwan.Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo reaffirmed his country’s diplomatic support for Taiwan during his recent visit to the self-governing island, calling the two nations “brotherly peoples.” Guatemala is one of only 12 countries that maintain official ties with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. Arevalo, on his first visit since taking office in 2024, pledged continued cooperation and shared development. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te echoed the sentiment, underscoring the strong bond despite geographic distance. The visit comes amid China’s ongoing efforts to win over Taiwan’s few remaining allies, particularly in Latin America. The U.S. has voiced concern over these moves and has expressed support for Guatemala's alliance with Taipei. ReutersTaipei Times

North Korean state media report on South Korea's presidential election.For the first time, North Korean state media has acknowledged the outcome of South Korea’s recent presidential election, reporting that Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung was elected as the 21st president on June 3. The brief report by KCNA noted the election followed the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol after his imposition of emergency martial law in December. North Korean media had largely stayed silent on South Korean politics during the election period and offered no further commentary in the latest report. Reuters

Pakistan 'ready but not desperate' for talks with India, says foreign minister. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Wednesday that the country is "ready but not desperate" for dialogue with India, emphasizing that the lack of progress in improving ties after last month's intense military clashes. The four-day conflict, the worst in decades, involved air and ground attacks before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10—though India denies any third-party role. The violence was triggered by an April 22 attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 people, which India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants, a claim Islamabad rejects. Dar criticized India for wanting to limit discussions to terrorism, while Pakistan seeks a broader dialogue, including on water issues. He also highlighted concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, crucial for Pakistan's agriculture. Reuters

AFRICA

Former Prime Minister Hamdok says the military’s recent gains won’t end Sudan’s civil war. Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has brushed off the military's efforts to form a new government as “fake,” arguing that recent battlefield gains, including the recapture of Khartoum, will not bring an end to the nation’s devastating two-year civil war. Speaking from exile on Wednesday, Hamdok told the Associated Press that there is no military solution to the conflict, which has killed at least 24,000 people, displaced millions, and fueled widespread famine and disease. Hamdok, who in 2019 became Sudan’s first civilian prime minister after decades of military rule, criticized the army’s appointment of a new prime minister as irrelevant and insisted that true peace requires a ceasefire and a credible democratic transition addressing Sudan’s deep-rooted inequalities. Hamdok also urged all foreign actors to halt arms supplies to the warring sides, warning that external involvement is prolonging the conflict. Associated Press

UN alarmed by discovery of dozens of bodies in militia-run parts of Libyan capital. The U.N. is demanding an independent investigation following the discovery of dozens of bodies, as well as evidence of torture and extrajudicial killings, at militia-run detention sites in Tripoli, Libya. U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed shock at the findings, which were linked to the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA), a powerful militia group in western Libya. Excavations uncovered charred remains, decomposing bodies, and instruments of torture at SSA-controlled locations, including hospitals and even the Tripoli Zoo. Türk urged Libyan authorities to seal the sites, preserve evidence, and grant UN and forensic teams full access. The revelations come amid ongoing instability following the death of SSA leader Abdulghani Kikli in May, which triggered violent clashes in Tripoli. Protesters demanding an end to militia violence were reportedly met with excessive force. Libya has remained fractured and plagued by militia control since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, despite a 2020 ceasefire. CNNAssociated PressAl JazeeraUN News

Ivory Coast excludes opposition leader Thiam from list of presidential candidates. Ivory Coast’s electoral commission has excluded Tidjane Thiam, the main opposition leader and former Credit Suisse CEO, from the final list of presidential candidates for the upcoming October election. Thiam, who holds dual Ivorian French nationality, was ruled ineligible by a court earlier this year, though he gave up his French citizenship in March and vowed to fight the decision. Three other key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, were also barred due to past convictions or legal issues. Thiam's Democratic Party of Ivory Coast condemned the exclusions as "unfair" and called for national protests to defend democracy. The ruling raises tensions ahead of a highly contested election, recalling unrest from the disputed 2020 vote. Associated PressAl JazeeraFrance 24

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS

Ukrainian intelligence reports extensive hack of Russian strategic bomber manufacturer. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reports a successful hack of the internal systems of Tupolev, Russia's state-owned aircraft manufacturer. The HUR says Ukrainian operatives accessed over 4.4 gigabytes of sensitive data. The breach, which followed Ukraine's surprise drone assaults on Russian air bases, reportedly yielded extensive data on individuals servicing the Russian strategic bomber fleet. An HUR statement said, “there is nothing secret left in Tupolev's activities for Ukrainian intelligence,” adding that “the result of the operation will be noticeable both on the ground and in the sky.” According to sources, the HUR cyber corps accessed over 4.4 GB of internal data, including official correspondence, personnel files, home addresses, resumes, purchase records, and closed meeting minutes. HUR also claimed responsibility for defacing the Tupolev website, replacing its homepage with an image of an owl clutching a Russian aircraft, which is widely associated with HUR’s cyber operations. The RecordKyiv Independent

Experts assess global military implications of Ukrainian surprise drone attack on Russian bases. In the wake of Ukraine's surprise drone attack on Russian air bases using cheap, explosive drones, analysts are assessing the vulnerabilities of military facilities everywhere, including in the U.S. Among other factors, the cost curve stands out as high-value, nuclear-capable bombers can be taken out by drones that can be assembled in a battlefield trench or garage. The widespread absence of effective air defenses around military bases is another area of concern. Tom Karako with the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the aftermath of the Ukrainian attack was "a new missile age" requiring that "everybody has to look up." Another focal point is the equipment and tactics Ukraine used to place drones in proximity of Russian targets, including shipping containers. The DoD's 2024 China Military Power Report warned that China may be building a "launcher that can fit inside a standard commercial shipping container" to carry out covert deployment of YJ-18 missiles aboard commercial ships. Aaditya Devarakonda, the CEO of Dedrone, noted that military planners and others must accept the new reality of "an environment where attackers can spend hundreds to destroy billions of dollars of equipment. Our security and response systems need to match that speed and asymmetry." AxiosBreaking DefenseWashington Post

China offers bounty on hackers it says are linked to Taiwan.Chinese authorities in Guangzhou have accused over 20 individuals linked to Taiwan of conducting cyberattacks on critical sectors in China, including military, energy, and government systems. They claim the hackers are tied to Taiwan’s government and have cooperated with American agencies to wage “cognitive warfare” and destabilize China. Pictures and personal details of the accused were published, and a bounty was offered for their capture. Taiwan strongly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. Its defense ministry said China’s actions aim to intimidate and distract from international scrutiny of Beijing’s own cyber activities, particularly in Europe. Taipei also rejected China's claims of collaboration with U.S. intelligence as propaganda. The accusations come amid rising cross-strait tensions and reflect Beijing’s ongoing efforts to assert sovereignty over the island, which Taiwan’s democratic government firmly rejects. ReutersAssociated Press

SpaceX, Starlink projected to generate substantial revenue increases in 2025. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has announced that the company is expected to generate about $15.5 billion in revenue in 2025. SpaceX, which has been privately held since its founding by Musk in 2002, has experienced significant growth in recent years. Its launch operation, centered around the Falcon 9 rocket, has become the global workhorse for U.S. government missions and commercial satellite operators. SpaceX's other key arm is Starlink, a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation that projects revenue growth to $12.3 billion in 2025 from $7.8 billion the previous year. SpaceX continues substantial investments in vehicle development and infrastructure efforts. including for Starship, the deep-space vehicle that has been flight-tested since 2023 for eventual use in missions to Mars. Musk noted in an online post that SpaceX's “commercial revenue” would exceed NASA's entire budget next year. Wall Street Journal

Commerce Department announces ‘CAISI,’ replacement for AI Safety Institute. The Commerce Department has announced plans to reorganize the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI) into the new Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI). The move to restructure the Biden-era AISI, which operated within the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), had been expected. Although Commerce did not provide extensive details, the new organization reportedly will favor innovation over regulation. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, "CAISI will evaluate and enhance U.S. innovation of these rapidly developing commercial AI systems while ensuring they remain secure to our national security standards.” As was the case with the safety institute, the new center will “lead unclassified evaluations of AI capabilities that may pose risks to national security.” CAISI will remain part of NIST, continuing its work to “ensure U.S. dominance of international AI standards.” Forbes

Huawei researchers say the new LLM training concept surpasses the DeepSeek model approach. Researchers involved in developing Huawei Technologies' Pangu large language model (LLM) say they have improved on the approach taken by DeepSeek in developing AI models through the use of internal proprietary hardware. The Pangu team published a paper last week highlighting the Mixture of Grouped Experts (MoGE) concept, an enhancement of the Mixture of Experts (MoE) technique used by DeepSeek. According to Huawei, the improved MoGE "better balances the expert workload." The company's research team tested the new architecture using its Ascend neural processing unit (NPU) and discovered that MoGE “leads to more efficient execution for both model training and inference." The outcome of the MoGE test was that Pangu achieved state-of-the-art performance on most general English benchmarks and all Chinese benchmarks. The approach also resulted in higher efficiency in long-context training, according to researchers. South China Morning Post

Chinese local governments are implementing Beijing-directed tightening of controls on rare earths. China, which supplies 92 percent of the world's refined rare earth elements for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and hi-tech defense systems, is implementing tighter export controls to reinforce its dominance in the face of increasing U.S. pressure. Government officials in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the provinces of Guizhou and Hunan have intensified inspections of exporters' operations and cracked down on illegal mining, implementing a Beijing directive that calls for tighter "whole chain" control over strategic mineral exports. Hunan officials have pledged to identify strategic mineral exporters and strengthen their export compliance systems, while Guangxi authorities have vowed to intensify supervision of mining and exploration activities. According to the Chinese commerce ministry, Chinese agencies have instructed local authorities from resource-rich regions to strengthen control over all facets of the production and supply chain. South China Morning Post

New Russian malware infostealer appears to be replacing the disrupted Lumma operation. Russia's cybercriminal ecosystem is reportedly utilizing a new malware, Acreed, to replace the Lumma infostealer that was recently taken down in an international law enforcement operation. Acreed was identified earlier this year as it surpassed other infostealers, trailing only Lumma during the first quarter of 2025. Acreed operates similarly to other infostealers, targeting Windows systems and extracting login credentials, browser cookies, and cryptocurrency wallets. The malware reportedly harvests data from major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, resulting in the exposure of usernames and passwords for social media, email services, streaming platforms, and local network access credentials. Along with Acreed, the Russian infostealer market is flourishing, driven by the malware's ease of use and the demand for stolen data. Infostealer logs, which contain data already captured by the malware, can be acquired for as little as $2. The Record

GlobalFoundries announces $16 billion investment plan for U.S. plants, advanced research. GlobalFoundries Inc. has announced plans to invest $16 billion to increase its domestic production of made-to-order chips. Existing plants in New York and Vermont will be expanded with funding of $13 billion, while an additional $3 billion will be directed to research in advanced packaging and related technologies. GlobalFoundries customers like Apple, Qualcomm, and General Motors have welcomed the company's investment plan. New GlobalFoundries CEO Tim Breen did not disclose a detailed timeline for the spending, saying the investments will match supply and demand. The focus on U.S. facilities, Breen said, is “a recognition of where there is the most unmet demand today.” GlobalFoundries said it is targeting promising segments of the semiconductor industry, including operations to combine chips with optical data components and development of an alternative material for power management chips, gallium nitride. Bloomberg

Amentum awarded $4 billion Space Force contract for range management services. Amentum has been awarded a potential 10-year, $4 billion contract by the Space Force to support the operation and maintenance of the service branch's Eastern and Western ranges. The contract covers integration, systems engineering, and sustainment work at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Users of the Space Force ranges include space exploration, national security, and commercial operators. The contract reportedly signals a shift in funding for space launch infrastructure with commercial launch service providers requesting services or upgrades and paying for them directly. The arrangement is seen as creating a more market-driven approach to range operations with the potential to accelerate modernization. Jacobs Technology, one of several Jacobs federal units that merged into Amentum last fall, was selected from among four contractors competing for the indefinite-quantity, indefinite-delivery Space Force Range Contract. Washington TechnologySpace News

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