Ukrainian drones strike Russian gas plant; Kubilius urges Europe to remake its own defence.
The Brief · What happened overnight
Conflict & Security
Ursa Major sinking confirms Western interdiction of Russia–North Korea nuclear tech transfers. Iran's Hormuz claims plus a 600% surge in silent ship traffic signal deliberate friction.
Economics & Trade
Trump's Beijing summit lands as DRC's security-for-minerals model collapses under M23 pressure. India's eight Caribbean agreements reflect a systematic move off Western dependency.
Markets & Energy
Hormuz instability threatens ~20% of global oil transit. Silent-ship surges show insurers already pricing in conflict premium. Chinese maritime expansion anticipates prolonged disruption.
Diplomacy & Politics
MBS brokered the first US–Syria presidential meeting in 26 years, positioning Riyadh as the Iran-talks intermediary. Russia's Taliban recognition reshapes Central Asia.
Top News
Ukrainian drones attack Astrakhan gas plant; Moscow claims interception but NASA FIRMS data shows large fires.
(The Moscow Times)
EU's Kubilius urges Eastern Europe to shape its own defence architecture amid shift away from US-led NATO.
(Euractiv)
US lost 39 aircraft in 13,000 combat sorties against Iran since Feb 28, congressman Ed Case discloses.
(Ettela'at Online)
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