The White House postponed a planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest as Russia launched fresh attacks across Ukraine, killing six and underscoring the fragility of ceasefire diplomacy. The delay highlights major gaps between Moscow and Washington on how to halt fighting, even as European capitals brace for a long war.
Source: Washington Post
U.S. orders two aircraft carriers to waters near China
President Trump directed two U.S. carrier strike groups to deploy near China, a conspicuous show of force as tensions rise over trade, Taiwan, and contested waters. The Nimitz-class carriers can each field around 60 aircraft, raising the risk of close encounters with the PLA amid an already volatile military posture in the region.
Source: The National Interest
Australia, US sign critical minerals framework to reduce China dependence
Canberra and Washington inked a framework to secure supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, a strategic bid to reduce reliance on China. The agreement, unveiled during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s White House visit, aims to align investment and processing capacity across both countries.
Source: The Diplomat
Purges reveal power struggle inside China’s military high command
A string of high-level purges within the People’s Liberation Army suggests a fierce internal struggle between the old guard and a consolidating new leadership. With a “clear winner” now emerging, the shake-up may recalibrate decision-making and operational readiness with implications for regional security.
Source: The Diplomat
U.S. presses to preserve Gaza ceasefire in high-level Israel talks
Vice President JD Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington seeks to enforce a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The visit, backed by senior envoys, aims to keep both parties on track with the deal amid sporadic violence and mounting political pressures.
Source: Washington Post
Russia tightens digital control by throttling rivals and promoting a state ‘super app’
The Kremlin is pushing a state-backed “MAX” super app while throttling WhatsApp and Telegram, moving Russia closer to a restricted, sovereign internet. The shift centralizes communications under government-controlled infrastructure, raising concerns about surveillance, censorship, and digital isolation.
Source: The New York Times
Argentina’s dollar surges despite Central Bank and US Treasury interventions
Argentina’s Central Bank sold US$45.5 million and the US Treasury intervened to cap the wholesale dollar near its official band ceiling, yet the parallel “blue” dollar continued to climb. The moves underline the severity of Argentina’s currency stress and the limits of short-term market support.
Source: MercoPress Argentina
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