Ukraine says 28 people were killed in a Russian missile and drone barrage, intensifying scrutiny of sanctions, oil revenues and Western policy.
Lavrov said Russia will not pause operations for Ukraine talks, while Rubio kept open a U.S. role in pursuing a ceasefire.
Merz says Germany must adapt as ties with Washington worsen, framing the strain as a security challenge and an opening for reform.
Russia opened three days of Duma voting, including in occupied Ukrainian territories, amid opposition limits and verification concerns.
Zelensky says seven difficult bills before Ukraine’s parliament are needed to unlock Western aid and address a defense-driven budget gap.
Canada is in talks to join the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine loan program as Carney seeks deeper ties with Europe and less reliance on the U.S.
AfD’s projected win in Saxony-Anhalt drew alarm from Poland and France, praise from Czechia, and new political-risk questions for Europe.
NATO has reaffirmed its readiness to defend member states after reports of Iranian plans to target military bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus amid escalating regional tensions.
NATO is considering deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Finland, Poland, and Lithuania amid rising security concerns from Russia’s actions in Eastern Europe.
US military casualties in the Iran conflict have risen to 17, with recent fatalities occurring during explosive ordnance disposal in Iraq amid escalating retaliatory strikes.
Germany will boost its defense budget to a record €124.7 billion in 2026, increasing its NATO commitments amid broader European military spending shifts.
Germany's 2027 budget plans a 6% spending increase with record defense funding and higher borrowing, sparking industry concerns over economic growth and fiscal discipline.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs calls on NATO to prepare for potential escalation with Russia, highlighting the need for enhanced military capabilities and stronger transatlantic defense cooperation.
German and US foreign ministers met in Washington to reinforce their partnership, discuss NATO contributions, support for Ukraine, and regional cooperation ahead of key international summits.
The UK government plans to increase its defense budget by £18 billion amid political challenges, impacting defense firms and strategic corporate decision-making.
The US State Department approved the potential $373.6M sale of JDAM-ER bomb kits to Ukraine, enhancing range and accuracy amid operational challenges and strategic defense implications.