Author: Admin

Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon firmly denied any responsibility Sunday for her estranged husband’s theft of political party funds, stating she would not offer apologies for his criminal actions.

During a BBC interview, Sturgeon expressed feeling betrayed by Peter Murrell’s conduct after he admitted guilt last week to embezzling more than 400,000 pounds ($540,000) from Scottish National Party coffers while serving as the organization’s chief executive. The stolen money reportedly supported an extravagant lifestyle. Sturgeon maintained she had no awareness of his illegal activities.

“I am not responsible for the crimes that my former husband committed,” she told the BBC. “I’m not going to apologize for somebody else’s crimes.”

The former leader’s remarks addressed mounting skepticism regarding her earlier claims of ignorance about Murrell’s criminal behavior. This situation has amplified worries about political accountability across the United Kingdom following multiple scandals that have damaged public confidence in governmental institutions.

Critics have questioned the decision to keep Murrell in his executive role after Sturgeon assumed party leadership in 2014. She admitted this choice was an error.

“Of course, with hindsight, I wish that I could go back and take a different decision,” she said.

Murrell’s guilty plea concluded a five-year law enforcement investigation into the SNP, the party that has controlled Scotland’s semiautonomous government for nearly twenty years while advocating for independence from the United Kingdom.

Internal party chaos erupted in 2023 amid growing questions about financial management and declining membership rolls.

Sturgeon headed the Scottish government for nearly ten years before suddenly stepping down as first minister in February 2023. Her explanation at the time puzzled political observers when she stated she knew in her “head and in my heart” that departure was appropriate.

The next month, Murrell resigned from his two-decade tenure as SNP chief executive, accepting responsibility for providing false information to media outlets about membership losses. Police took him into custody at the couple’s Glasgow residence in April.

Authorities arrested Sturgeon in June 2023 but later cleared her of wrongdoing.

Five workers died and one was injured when a mine shaft collapsed during unauthorized mining activities in China’s Yunnan province early Sunday morning, according to state media reports.

The deadly incident took place at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning in Huize County, as reported by state news agency Xinhua, which cited local government officials. The type of mineral being extracted at the site was not disclosed in the report.

Emergency responders pulled six individuals from the collapsed site and transported them to a medical facility, but only one person survived the incident, Xinhua stated. The surviving worker remains in stable condition at the hospital.

Local officials have initiated an investigation to determine what caused the collapse. This latest tragedy follows the devastating May 22 gas explosion at a coal mining facility in northern Shanxi province that resulted in 82 fatalities, left two people unaccounted for, and injured 128 workers.

Government officials have promised a comprehensive investigation into the Shanxi incident after initial findings revealed unauthorized tunnel construction, absent tracking equipment, and fraudulent entrance barriers at the mining location.

War crimes investigators working to document alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine are struggling to continue their work after losing millions in American funding, hampering efforts to seek justice for victims of the conflict.

Roksolana Makar, who investigates war crimes for a Ukrainian nonprofit, recently traveled dangerous roads under threat of drone strikes to interview a 55-year-old woman named Alla in the town of Izium. The woman described being held for 10 days at a battery plant during the 2022 Russian occupation, where she said soldiers beat her, used electrical shocks, suffocated her with a gas mask and sexually assaulted her.

“I asked them to kill me because I couldn’t take it anymore,” Alla told Makar, requesting to be identified only by her first name.

Makar’s organization, Truth Hounds, is among dozens that have lost American financial support after the current administration cut tens of millions of dollars in overseas development aid to advance an “America first” agenda. Ukraine received the largest share of these cuts, according to government officials.

“There’s less hope” for accountability, Makar said following her interview with Alla in January.

The cuts represent a significant shift from America’s historical role in supporting international justice efforts dating back to the Nuremberg trials. Reuters could not independently verify Alla’s account, and Russian officials have repeatedly denied war crime allegations, calling them Western propaganda.

Ukrainian prosecutors have opened more than 230,000 war crimes cases since Russia’s 2022 invasion, including allegations of targeting civilians, abducting children, torture and sexual violence.

Beth Van Schaack, who served as ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice under the previous administration, warned the funding reductions “could lead to a lot of victims being denied justice.”

The State Department said America is shifting financial responsibility to Europe and other “willing partners” while still providing substantial assistance to Ukraine, including programs for “war crimes, justice and accountability for atrocities.”

Reuters interviewed more than 40 people involved in the American-supported network investigating Ukraine war crimes. Nearly all reported their efforts have been curtailed due to funding cuts.

Truth Hounds was forced to lay off staff, suspend an evidence archiving project and postpone international law training for judges and prosecutors. Dozens of foreign experts who helped collect and analyze battlefield evidence can no longer travel to Ukraine after reduced State Department support, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Plans to rebuild a war-damaged courthouse were halted after the administration dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development and terminated a $62-million program to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system.

Even at peak funding levels under the previous administration, Ukrainian prosecutors were overwhelmed by the caseload. They had secured 252 war crimes convictions as of April 1, while identifying 1,175 suspects and indicting 842.

High-ranking suspects could face trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which has sought the arrest of President Vladimir Putin. Cases are also being pursued in American and European courts.

Reuters tracked more than $283 million in American funding earmarked for Ukraine war crimes initiatives since 2022. The news organization found that programs accounting for at least 40% of this spending were terminated or allowed to expire.

A senior Ukrainian source said the cuts affect approximately half the country’s American-funded projects promoting war crimes accountability and rule of law.

The administration has launched one new program, announcing up to $25 million in March to support the return of missing Ukrainian children, a cause championed by first lady Melania Trump. Recipients have not yet been announced.

This new grant followed cuts to other programs serving the same purpose, including a Yale University initiative that has tracked thousands of missing Ukrainian children to sites in Russia and Russian-occupied territory.

The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab will exhaust its funding in August after the State Department withheld about $8 million, executive director Nathaniel Raymond told Reuters.

Truth Hounds has been tracking war crimes suspects since 2014, when Russian forces seized Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. The organization has documented approximately 17,000 war crimes allegations across Ukraine, according to co-executive director Dmytro Koval.

“Some important lines of inquiry will not be opened at all,” Koval said after losing American funding that covered one-third of the organization’s budget since 2023.

The cuts reflect a broader American withdrawal from human rights work. The current administration closed a State Department office that had coordinated global responses to mass atrocities since 1997, disbanded a Justice Department team helping Ukraine prosecute war crimes, and withdrew from a multinational group building cases against Russian leaders.

The administration also imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court officials over attempts to investigate alleged crimes by Israeli leaders in Gaza and American soldiers in Afghanistan.

Other major donors, including the European Union and Britain, say they remain committed to delivering justice for Ukraine. But the lost American aid won’t be easily replaced, said Wayne Jordash, deputy lead of an Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group established by the U.S., EU and Britain to support Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office.

The State Department stopped funding two out of three core organizations in the initiative last year, including Jordash’s international law foundation, Global Rights Compliance, according to a recent department audit.

For Yuliia Usenko, Ukraine’s lead prosecutor for crimes against children, Yale’s digital investigations have been “invaluable.” Most alleged crime scenes are in Russian-occupied territory or Russia, where Ukrainian investigators cannot access.

Yale researchers use satellite imagery, Russian social media posts and other open sources to track children taken to more than 200 sites they say are part of a vast Russian reeducation and militarization network. Some were later placed in Russian foster care or adopted.

“We want to show Russia’s true intent is not just to seize a piece of Ukraine’s territory, but much more: to destroy our nation and assimilate it into Russian society,” Usenko said.

Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of more than 20,500 child deportations or forced transfers and say just over 2,000 children have been returned. Yale researchers estimate 35,000 may have been taken.

Russia denies abducting Ukrainian children, saying it evacuated them from conflict zones for their safety. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Reuters that in June 2025, Kyiv provided Moscow with a list of 339 children it said ended up in Russia.

Aid groups like the Emile Foundation use Yale’s findings to help reunite children with their families. “Without it, we are talking about many years of setbacks,” said Mariam Lambert, co-founder of the Netherlands-based foundation.

Hanna Zamyshliaieva last saw her son, Anton Volkovych, on January 14, 2022, when she visited him at a boarding school for children with special needs in Oleshky. The 19-year-old required constant care due to a neurological disorder.

When Russian forces occupied the town in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region that February, Zamyshliaieva kept in touch with the school by phone. But over the following months, students and some staff were transferred to locations deeper inside Russian-occupied territory, where she could not reach them.

Of the 87 pupils at Oleshky before the occupation, 13 have returned, Lambert said. Her foundation received a tip about Volkovych’s whereabouts in March, but there has been no confirmation from Russia.

“I just want to hold him,” Zamyshliaieva said, grappling with uncertainty over whether her son has survived without the intensive care he received at school.

Tetiana Popovych spent years searching for her son, Vladyslav, who was 29 when he disappeared during Russia’s occupation of Bucha, near Kyiv, early in the war. She retraced his steps with help from neighbors and returning prisoners of war.

Witnesses told her they saw Vladyslav hiding in her walnut orchard during an artillery barrage, and that someone bandaged his gunshot wounds before Russian forces captured and beat them. A released prisoner told her they shared a detention cell in the Russian town of Vyazma, where she believes he remains.

“For me it is important that everyone is punished, that everyone is found, no matter how many years have passed,” Popovych said. “I will fight for this until the end.”

Israeli military forces have seized control of a historic mountaintop fortress in southern Lebanon, representing their most significant penetration into the nation in more than 26 years, according to military officials who announced the development Sunday.

The takeover of Beaufort castle, located close to Nabatiyeh city, followed several days of aerial bombardments and fierce combat in surrounding communities where Israeli forces engaged Hezbollah fighters across the challenging terrain.

This fortress seizure represents a significant milestone in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which started March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel just two days following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, Hezbollah’s primary supporter.

Since then, Israel has initiated ground operations, taking control of numerous Lebanese communities and settlements near the border. Hezbollah has responded by firing thousands of rockets and unmanned aircraft at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

The Israeli advance occurred even with a temporary ceasefire established since April 17 and just before upcoming direct negotiations scheduled for June 2 and 3 at the State Department between Lebanon and Israel.

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, shared an image on X displaying Israeli soldiers walking near the fortress, while Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on X that forces had planted an Israeli flag above the castle. Israeli forces previously took the castle in 1982 and maintained control until their Lebanon withdrawal in 2000.

The Beaufort stronghold, positioned high above Lebanon’s verdant hills and commanding views of the Litani River, has served as a crucial military position for numerous forces across nearly 1,000 years.

Constructed as a Crusader fortress around the 12th century atop earlier defensive structures, it has housed the Crusaders, Saladin’s Jerusalem army, Mamlukes, Ottomans, the French mandate, the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Israeli military until 2000, when it underwent partial restoration and welcomed tourists. The Crusaders called it Beaufort, meaning “beautiful fortress” in Old French.

The 1982 seizure of the castle from the Palestine Liberation Organization represented a significant triumph for the Israeli military under Defense Minister Ariel Sharon’s leadership, who subsequently became the nation’s prime minister. During that period, the Israeli army advanced northward and took control of Beirut.

Throughout the earlier Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2024, UNESCO provided enhanced protection to 34 cultural locations in Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, to protect it from harm.

The fortress sits several kilometers north of the Israel border and provides commanding views of extensive areas of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. In Arabic, it’s known as Al-Shaqif castle, derived from an ancient Syriac term describing the imposing rocky terrain.

Israeli military officials stated they began an operation several days earlier in the Beaufort Ridge and Suluki valley areas to the south, aiming to eliminate Hezbollah infrastructure and remove immediate threats to Israeli citizens.

The military announcement indicated forces are prepared “to expand the operation if needed.”

Beaufort holds symbolic significance throughout the region, particularly in Israel, where it became one of the most recognized locations under Israeli control during the 18-year occupation. A prominent Israeli war film titled “Beaufort” examines moral dilemmas and the pointlessness of conflict during the final period before military withdrawal.

Recently, Israel has broadened its Lebanese operations, deploying forces beyond the Litani River, which previously functioned as an unofficial border, while ordering residents to evacuate large portions of southern Lebanon.

Israel has declared the region from the Litani to the Zahrani River a military combat zone. While some inhabitants have departed due to recent intensive strikes, many people continue living in area towns.

Israeli forces have been moving forward for days through villages surrounding Beaufort castle. They now stand approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Nabatiyeh city, a significant southern Lebanon hub, and have ordered all residents to evacuate, along with inhabitants of the coastal city of Tyre, the nation’s fourth-largest city, and nearby areas.

Neither Hezbollah nor the Lebanese government provided immediate responses regarding the Israeli advancement.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two overnight attacks against Israeli forces and a Merkava tank in Bayada, a southwestern border town. Recently, the organization has reported fighting Israeli troops in multiple towns north of the river near Nabatiyeh and the strategic fortress.

Lebanon’s state-operated National News Agency documented airstrikes across various southern Lebanese villages, reporting casualties without providing detailed numbers. On Saturday, Hezbollah launched multiple rocket volleys into northern Israel, targeting Kiryat Shmona, the region’s largest city.

Hezbollah’s deployment of difficult-to-detect fiber optic drones has proven lethal against Israeli military forces, who face challenges responding effectively. Israeli military data shows nearly 200 civilian alerts across northern Israel warning of drones and missiles within the last 24 hours.

The current fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in 3,350 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 1 million people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reports at least 25 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have died in or near southern Lebanon, including one fatality on Saturday. Two civilians have also been killed in northern Israel.

Ukrainian forces carried out overnight attacks against Russian energy infrastructure into Sunday, according to Russian officials and media outlets, while Ukraine rejected Moscow’s accusations that Ukrainian forces targeted a nuclear facility under Russian control.

Fallen drone wreckage ignited a blaze at a fuel storage site in Russia’s southwestern Rostov region, according to Gov. Yuriy Slyusar’s Sunday announcement on Telegram. Local residents living near the facility were moved to safety, he reported.

The aerial attacks also caused harm to civilian infrastructure in Saratov province, located in southwestern Russia, Gov. Roman Busargin stated. An independent Russian media outlet, Astra, reported that an oil refinery was burning in Saratov, the region’s main city.

In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russia’s petroleum and natural gas infrastructure, contending that the energy industry provides both financial support and literal fuel for Moscow’s invasion that has lasted more than four years.

At the same time, Kyiv rejected Russia’s accusations that Ukrainian forces attacked the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, which stands as the largest nuclear installation in both Ukraine and Europe.

Russian military units seized control of the facility during the conflict’s initial weeks, and it continues to sit near active combat zones in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, one of four territories Russia has officially claimed while lacking complete military dominance or global acceptance of its seizure.

Rosatom, Russia’s government nuclear energy corporation, announced Saturday that the drone detonated after creating an opening in a turbine hall wall. Rosatom’s chief executive Alexei Likhachev blamed Ukraine for an intentional assault.

“This afternoon, a Ukrainian kamikaze combat drone struck the turbine hall building of Power Unit No. 6, resulting in a detonation,” Likhachev stated. He noted that primary equipment sustained no harm.

Ukraine’s armed forces dismissed Russia’s “yet another propaganda ploy,” declaring they neither attacked nor aimed at the facility. Military officials stated in their response that they follow international humanitarian law and understand the “consequences of any actions targeting nuclear facilities.”

“Along the relevant section of the front line, there was no active fighting at the time of the incident, and no weapons were used,” the statement read.

Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed “serious concern” about the incident in a social media post on X.

Ukraine’s national nuclear oversight body said the alleged damage reported by Russia requires confirmation by IAEA specialists stationed at the Zaporizhzhia facility as part of an ongoing monitoring operation.

The Zaporizhzhia installation has faced repeated bombardment since Russia’s comprehensive invasion began in February 2022, creating anxiety about potential nuclear disasters. Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of deliberately targeting the plant.

In other developments, Ukraine’s air defense reported Sunday that it intercepted 212 out of 299 drones Russia deployed overnight. Officials said 14 drones successfully hit their intended targets, while drone fragments landed in five separate areas.

Russian drones hit the city of Dnipro and an oil processing facility in Ukraine’s Rivne region, sparking fires, local authorities reported.

Oleksandr Koval, who leads Rivne’s regional government, confirmed no casualties occurred at the refinery and that emergency responders were on scene.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive electoral victory for his Labour Party on Sunday, marking a historic achievement in the Mediterranean nation’s political landscape.

Speaking to the media following the results, Abela declared: “This is a victory of all the people based on the programme we presented for all the people.” He emphasized that the outcome demonstrated his party had “won a strong mandate” from voters.

“Let us maintain the spirit of national unity and move the country forward together,” he added.

Media outlets tracking the ballot counting reported that Labour secured a solid parliamentary majority, though the victory margin seemed reduced compared to their 2022 performance when they captured 55% of all votes.

The opposition Nationalist Party’s general secretary, Charles Bonello, acknowledged defeat in statements to TVM, the state broadcaster, while noting his party successfully reduced Labour’s majority.

Saturday’s election drew 87.4% voter participation, representing a slight increase from the 2022 general election turnout.

Labour’s campaign emphasized economic strength, governmental experience, and administrative credibility. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party contended that citizens’ living standards had declined despite economic growth in the European Union’s smallest member state.

Abela, who took over Labour Party leadership from Joseph Muscat in 2020, is scheduled for swearing-in ceremonies Monday morning.

The United States delivered sharp criticism toward European NATO members during a weekend security conference in Singapore, though Western European representatives maintained that the alliance remains strong.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended Asian allies for increasing their defense budgets and working closely with Washington amid rising tensions with China.

“When our interests align, we act together with focused resolve,” he said. “When our interests diverge, we adjust pragmatically without the drama or the moralising. I think Western Europe might take note.”

“Europe and NATO have some big decisions to make,” he said.

The Trump administration has consistently criticized European nations for insufficient military spending and excessive dependence on American security guarantees, while pushing both European and Asian partners to increase defense expenditures to 3.5% of GDP.

In May, Washington revealed intentions to withdraw 5,000 military personnel from Germany, and Trump has made threats about leaving NATO entirely.

A high-ranking NATO representative minimized the significance of the American troop reduction, explaining it had been previously scheduled and would not impact alliance unity.

“In a mature alliance, if one ally which in this case is the principal stakeholder needs to redirect some power somewhere else, he can do so, and the others must be able to step in,” said Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee.

Nils Hilmer, state secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence, indicated Berlin would continue increasing military spending independent of future U.S. force deployments.

“What we know for sure… is that there’s going to be shifts in that field,” he said. “That’s why we are about to take the security in our own hands.”

European officials also utilized the conference to assure Asian counterparts that NATO maintained effectiveness beyond its traditional region.

“Our credibility in Asia also depends on our robustness in Europe, defending Ukraine in the face of the Russian aggression,” said French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in a speech to delegates.

Additional European defense leaders contended that global security regions are becoming more connected.

“The European Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific theatres are becoming inseparable,” said Tore Sandvik, Norway’s minister of defence, noting that North Korean troops were fighting in Ukraine.

“The U.S. will be occupied in more theatres,” he said.

Despite Pentagon criticism, multiple U.S. Senators and House Representatives emphasized their efforts to reassure both European and Asian partners of continued bipartisan Congressional support.

“I’ve heard the same anxiety from everyone, not just in the region,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “I’ve actually got NATO allies worried about America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific.”

However, doubt persists among conference participants regarding Europe’s progress in improving collective security investments.

“Europe has to learn how to become a player,” said Pavlo Klimkin, non-resident senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and a former Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs. “There is no way around it. But it could be extremely beneficial for their partnership with the United States, because the States would respect such European drive.”

Israeli military forces have taken control of the historic Beaufort Castle and surrounding strategic territory in southern Lebanon, marking a significant advancement in operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization, military officials announced Sunday.

The military action took place more than six weeks following the declaration of a ceasefire in April, and came after Saturday witnessed some of the most intense Hezbollah attacks directed at northern Israel since the truce began, leading to school shutdowns and movement limitations.

Military officials stated the mission centered on gaining control over the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki region, while working to weaken Hezbollah forces and the infrastructure they built on the ridge under Iranian guidance.

The military confirmed that one Israeli soldier lost his life during the operation.

Neither Lebanese officials nor Hezbollah representatives provided immediate responses to the developments.

The seizure of the centuries-old fortress and ridge expands Israel’s presence in Lebanese territory as military confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite an ongoing ceasefire in the broader conflict with Iran.

Hezbollah joined the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran by launching rocket and drone attacks against Israel on March 2, shortly after the Iran conflict commenced. Israel subsequently began efforts to push the Iran-supported organization away from its northern border.

The takeover of Beaufort Castle provides Israeli forces with a commanding view across much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, an area from which attacks have been directed toward Israeli communities.

According to military statements, Hezbollah “carried out numerous attacks” from the Ridge location, and Israeli forces are now working against launching facilities in the region, which served as the origin point for “hundreds of projectiles” fired “toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”

The military also reported that Israeli forces are conducting operations near Nabatieh, described as a significant Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon.

ROME, May 31 – An unauthorized fireworks display by a traffic officer during a nighttime practice session for Italy’s Republic Day parade caused dozens of ceremonial horses to panic and stampede through Rome’s streets, according to police reports.

The sudden explosions occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, frightening the horses during their rehearsal. Some animals carried mounted riders while others were being guided on foot when the chaos erupted.

Approximately 35 horses escaped onto the heavily traveled Via Cristoforo Colombo, where motorists captured video footage of the animals racing down the roadway. Recovery efforts continued through the night, with the final horse located at sunrise roughly 14 kilometers (9 miles) away from where the incident began.

Multiple riders were thrown from their mounts during the stampede. A 22-year-old soldier sustained broken ribs and a punctured lung but remains in stable condition. About 15 horses suffered injuries, though none required euthanization.

Mario De Sclavis, commander of Rome’s police force, expressed his concerns to Sunday’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, stating that the incident “discredits the image of the Corps and its officers.”

The unauthorized pyrotechnics were ignited close to the historic Baths of Caracalla, where mounted cavalry from the army, Carabinieri paramilitary force and police were practicing for the annual June 2 parade.

Authorities confirmed that a municipal policeman from the traffic emergency unit had detonated a battery of fireworks approximately 200 meters (yards) away from the horses.

Nations throughout the Indo-Pacific are rapidly strengthening their military capabilities and forging new defense partnerships as they navigate between China’s expanding military presence and uncertainties about America’s long-term regional commitment.

During Asia’s leading defense conference held Saturday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged regional allies to take on greater security responsibilities. However, he encountered ongoing worries that American attention might be shifting away from the region due to conflicts in Iran demanding focus.

“We can do two things at one time,” Hegseth stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an open forum bringing together defense leaders, military commanders, and intelligence officials from around the globe.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed his belief that America’s dedication remained “unwavering,” though he recognized that certain nations might still question its determination.

During conversations with Reuters conducted alongside the yearly conference, defense ministers and military leaders from the region emphasized their drive to strengthen cooperation beyond America’s traditional security framework.

“All the defence secretaries here present are unanimous in the need to make agile and speedy upscaling of their own individual defence capabilities,” Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro shared with Reuters.

Teodoro characterized this effort as “buttressing” America’s conventional role, with Manila expanding defense relationships with nations including Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

“The commitment of the United States becomes more solid when more actors, at least in the deterrence phase, come in, because there is a common threat,” he explained.

Japan is establishing itself as a central point for this expanding network of partnerships.

Koizumi indicated that Tokyo seeks to serve as a “connecting point” for enhanced regional collaboration beyond China’s influence.

This past April, Japan announced its most significant revision of defense export policies in decades, eliminating barriers to international arms sales and creating opportunities for exporting naval vessels, missiles and additional military equipment.

“Japan will be even more proactive in defence equipment cooperation,” Koizumi announced at the conference. “Our aim is to ensure that each country has the capabilities it needs and to make them available when needed.”

Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan reported that her military forces were increasing their regional involvement, working with Japan and the Philippines on cybersecurity initiatives and naval training while providing English language instruction to Indonesian military personnel.

“There is a lot of work to do in the Indo-Pacific region. And I think this is why we are seeing probably an increase of partnership across the board,” Carignan informed Reuters.

New Zealand is also evaluating stronger relationships and new military equipment. Defence Minister Chris Penk verified that Wellington is seriously examining Japanese and British ships to substitute for its aging ANZAC-class frigates.

Penk met with counterparts from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Britain during the conference to discuss expanding cooperation under their 54-year-old Five-Powered Defence Arrangement.

Penk, who assumed his position in April, noted opportunities for advancing the agreement “at a more intense level.”

“And so if we can find new ways to interact with others as well as maintaining those existing connections, then we’ll look to do that at the same time,” Penk stated during an interview.

While regional countries were strengthening mutual relationships, Asian leaders maintained that American dedication to the Indo-Pacific remains strong despite Middle Eastern conflicts or President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach.

“Our confidence is not swayed by reason of the involvement of the United States in Iran, for example, and in other areas,” the Philippines’ Teodoro remarked.

For Australia, Defence Minister Richard Marles characterized relations with Washington as “absolutely fundamental to our national security.”

“For both of us, the Trump administration and the Albanese government in Australia, we see ourselves as stewards of a relationship which goes well beyond us,” Marles told Reuters.

MOSCOW, May 31 – Ukrainian forces launched a series of overnight drone attacks targeting energy and industrial facilities across multiple Russian regions, according to Russian officials who reported the strikes on Sunday as part of Ukraine’s growing campaign against infrastructure targets.

The governor of Saratov, a Volga River region home to multiple oil refineries that has faced repeated Ukrainian strikes in recent years, Roman Busargin announced on Telegram that “civil infrastructure” sustained damage from the attacks.

Alexander Sokolov, governor of the Kirov region located northeast of Moscow and approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from territory held by Ukraine, confirmed that drones struck a facility within the Urzhumsky district.

Regional leaders from Rostov, Voronezh and Belgorod – all territories sharing borders with Ukraine – also confirmed attacks occurred in their areas, with authorities reporting three civilian injuries in Belgorod.

Meanwhile, on the Russian-controlled Crimean peninsula, Moscow-backed governor Sergei Aksyonov announced new limitations on gasoline sales would be implemented.

While Aksyonov did not provide reasoning for the fuel restrictions, Ukraine has maintained a months-long campaign targeting fuel infrastructure throughout southwestern Russia near the Crimean peninsula.

BANGKOK (AP) — Continuing rainfall may postpone rescue efforts for two individuals still missing in a water-filled cave system in Laos, following the successful evacuation of five others who spent more than seven days trapped below ground.

Finnish rescue diver Mikko Paasi, among the initial international responders at the location, informed The Associated Press that ongoing precipitation has caused water levels to rise to the cave’s second chamber, blocking diver access until pumping equipment can reduce the flooding.

According to reports, the seven local residents went into the cave system last week searching for precious minerals when a sudden flood trapped them inside. An eighth villager managed to get out and notified emergency services.

International rescue operations involving teams from Laos and Thailand have been ongoing for the past week at the remote location in Xaisomboun province, situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vientiane, the nation’s capital. Diving specialists from Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, France and Australia have joined the effort.

Multiple members of the rescue team participated in the challenging 2018 cave emergency in northern Thailand that successfully freed 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach from a flooded underground system.

Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie, participating in the current operation, told the AP on Sunday that the evacuated individuals are receiving medical care at a nearby hospital and recovering well.

“We interviewed them about how the deeper part of the cave looks like. We will continue to search based on the information we have, and perhaps we will be able to get to the other two,” he said.

Rescue personnel report they have explored over 200 meters into the underground system and located five chambers within the cave network. The five individuals brought to safety were discovered in the fifth chamber.

Paasi explained to the AP that the survivors described a small opening in the fifth chamber that might lead to deeper sections of the cave system.

“This was the only place that we haven’t checked in the mine, where the two lost miners could still be,” he said during a video interview.

“Now there’s a theory that, through that small crack, it still continues, and there’s a sixth chamber, which gives us hope now that, if we could penetrate that small restriction, we might be able to reach the sixth chamber and then see what is there.”

The five rescued individuals were initially located on Wednesday and identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing and Laen.

The first person was brought to safety on Friday with assistance from an expert diver through a narrow flooded tunnel. The other four exited the cave on Saturday when water levels dropped sufficiently for them to walk out independently, according to rescue officials.

Online footage from Saturday posted by rescue personnel captured emotional scenes as each person emerged from the cave. Some fell to the ground at the cave opening and were embraced by workers who wept with relief. Additional scenes showed them on stretchers, covered with emergency blankets and receiving oxygen before being transported from the site.

Chinese naval forces and coast guard vessels conducted surveillance operations near a disputed South China Sea location on Sunday, following statements from Philippine officials warning that Manila continues to face threats from Beijing despite recent improvements in U.S.-China relations.

The operations took place around Scarborough Shoal, which ranks among Asia’s most disputed maritime territories and has repeatedly sparked tensions between China and the Philippines regarding territorial claims and fishing access.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command announced through a WeChat statement that its maritime and aviation forces executed combat readiness surveillance in what it called the “territorial sea and airspace” of the formation and nearby waters.

“Such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights violation and provocative acts,” the command said.

Chinese coast guard officials issued a separate announcement describing law enforcement surveillance activities near Scarborough Shoal, noting they had addressed vessels conducting “illegal rights-violation activities in accordance with laws and regulations” during the current month, though they provided no additional details.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The surveillance activities occurred while defense officials, military leaders and policy experts from across the Asia-Pacific region convened in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading defense conference.

During an interview with Reuters at the conference, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that the Philippines continues facing a “severe threat” from China regarding both territorial and political matters, despite recent improvements in U.S.-China relations following a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping earlier this month.

“We have no choice but really to be resilient and to stand up against Chinese aggression,” he said.

The Philippines and China have experienced numerous maritime confrontations in the South China Sea over recent years, sometimes leading to vessel collisions and crew injuries.

China asserts territorial control over nearly the complete South China Sea through a “nine-dash line” marked on its official maps that extends into the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Conflicts over numerous islands and formations have persisted for decades. Taiwan maintains territorial claims in the South China Sea that largely mirror China’s positions.

During 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague determined that China’s territorial assertions lacked support under international law, though Beijing dismisses this ruling.

Defense officials from South Korea and Japan explored the possibility of establishing a military logistics sharing agreement during talks in Singapore, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency on Sunday.

Following discussions with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi at the Shangri-La Dialogue regional defense summit in Singapore, South Korea’s Ahn Gyu-back addressed reporters about the potential arrangement.

“It requires the understanding and persuasion of the citizens of both nations, and I believe we should still proceed with caution,” Ahn stated when asked about the discussions.

The defense minister was speaking about a possible acquisition and cross-servicing agreement that would enable the two neighboring U.S. allies to exchange and jointly obtain military supplies including fuel, food and ammunition.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hugo Rosas intentionally incorporates Mexico’s most recognizable cultural elements into his soccer jersey creations for the World Cup. His designs merge football culture with Mexican heritage to display his nation’s traditions on an international stage.

Rosas calls his newest line “Calados del Alma” or “Cutouts of the Soul.” The collection takes cues from traditional Mexican spiritual practices and papel picado, the intricate paper decorations featured at community festivals and special occasions.

“We try to create concepts that resonate with us and convey traditions that make Mexicans feel proud,” said Rosas, who has run a workshop with his brother Andrés near Mexico City since 2022. “The country’s best is reflected in papel picado, colors and town celebrations.”

The brothers’ initial jersey design featured Quetzalcoatl, the winged serpent god honored by multiple pre-Hispanic cultures. That piece continues to be Andrés’ top choice among their creations.

“Quetzalcoatl represents a balance that sees the world as a system, not as something extractive that human beings can simply benefit from,” said Andrés, who oversees the brand’s marketing. “I connect with that pre-Hispanic worldview, which is why most of our products are deeply rooted in that vision.”

Hugo’s World Cup series expands upon a previous collection he named “Ofrenda Viva,” or “Live Offering.”

The design philosophy stems from Mexico’s Day of the Dead tradition — where families celebrate and remember deceased loved ones with joy rather than mourning.

“It’s a garment resembling papel picado so that a person can offer their actions, thoughts and passions as an homage to those who are already gone,” Rosas said.

The uniforms use polyester material, allowing the fabric to be carved like papel picado while remaining durable against damage. Rosas and his crew previously tested organic materials, but found they couldn’t support the weight and design needed after manufacturing.

Creating each uniform takes up to three weeks, with the cutting and stitching process requiring eight to 10 hours of labor.

Rosas begins by selecting which cultural symbols to feature. He then calculates the dimensions and form of each element to ensure the needlework matches his creative vision. After finalizing a pattern, the workshop’s seamstresses carefully carve and stitch every garment.

The Rosas brothers maintain a small-scale operation and take pride in this method. They prioritize the attention and effort given to each piece, preserving the handmade nature of their work.

Their Mexclart brand has produced approximately 30 uniforms since the World Cup items became available in April. Hugo Rosas anticipates sales will grow as the tournament’s start date draws closer.

His other lines include one dedicated to pre-Hispanic deities. His preferred design shows Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the underworld, typically shown as a skeleton figure.

“Putting on a garment like this is like wearing a modern armor through which we can carry that pride and passion for our roots and show it to the world,” Rosas said.

He occasionally consults historical texts about Mexico while creating his patterns. But his preferred source of creativity comes from visiting Indigenous settlements where traditional rituals and practices continue today.

“If it were up to me, I’d use gold or another material that could accurately represent our gods the way our ancestors did,” he said. “All the garments we create are meant to give Mexicans the chance to bring those deities into the present.”

The Czech Republic’s Prime Minister has acknowledged his country will likely fall short of NATO’s military spending benchmark this year, according to a weekend interview with a major financial publication.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis stated his nation will “probably” not achieve the alliance’s goal of dedicating 2% of gross domestic product to defense spending in 2024. “We will do our best” to reach the commitment, Babis explained to the Financial Times, while pointing to budget difficulties stemming from excessive spending by the previous pro-European Union administration.

The admission highlights ongoing tensions between Babis and Czech President Petr Pavel regarding military funding. Pavel has criticized the populist leader’s administration for proposing defense spending reductions in the 2026 budget. When Pavel approved the budget in March, he expressed concerns that military expenditures were inadequate given rising security challenges and NATO obligations.

Despite the current shortfall, Babis assured that Prague remains dedicated to achieving NATO’s updated goal of spending 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035. However, he suggested alliance members should prioritize enhancing military capabilities rather than fixating on spending benchmarks, which he argued could be easily manipulated.

This development comes as the United States signals plans to reduce American military support available to European NATO partners during major crises, according to recent reports. President Donald Trump has consistently urged NATO members to increase their defense investments, a priority that has gained urgency during the ongoing four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

At a recent Asian security summit, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth emphasized this shift in American policy, telling defense officials: “The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates.”

SINGAPORE (AP) — Defense leaders from allied nations emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation during a major security conference on Sunday, warning that growing global threats require unified responses even as tensions rise among traditional partners.

The discussions at the Shangri-La conference occurred one day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Western European nations at the same forum for insufficient defense spending commitments.

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi commended Hegseth’s dedication to the Indo-Pacific region while emphasizing the ongoing necessity for robust international partnerships.

“Division weakens deterrence, unity strengthens deterrence,” he stated during the conference organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“If gaps emerge among the United States, Europe, and allies and like-minded countries, forces which take it as an opportunity will surely come in,” he continued. “We must prevent such as situation. We must keep our cooperation going on. Now is the time to make our cooperation even stronger.”

Japan has been transforming its defense strategy as China continues rapid military expansion and modernization. Last month, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet eliminated restrictions on lethal weapons exports, marking a significant shift from its postwar pacifist stance.

China condemned this policy change, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating China would “resolutely resist Japan’s reckless moves toward a new type of militarism.”

Koizumi dismissed that criticism as contradictory, given China’s own military capabilities.

“Think about it, there is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers,” he remarked in English. “Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled new militarism. Isn’t it strange?”

He noted that openness requires “discussion and dialogue” and expressed disappointment that China’s defense minister did not attend the conference.

During Saturday’s address, Hegseth praised several Asian partners for increasing defense expenditures while maintaining his critique of European allies, whom he accused of being “distracted by empty globalist rhetoric about the rules-based international order, while European capitals threw open their borders and hollowed out their militaries.”

“You can have all the rules you want and rules are great,” Hegseth stated. “But if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on.”

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles told reporters during the conference that while he supported Hegseth’s view that “the rules based order needs to be underpinned by power,” he also believed strong regulations were “more important today than they have ever been.”

“We are all committed to a rules based system, because that is actually what gives, middle powers like Australia or smaller countries agency,” he explained.

He stressed that partnerships continue to be essential for regional security.

“This is a collective challenge and it demands a collective response, which is actually what the rules based order is all about,” he said.

Netherlands Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius argued that today’s conflicts have worldwide consequences requiring coordinated responses.

“A war in Europe involves drones from Iran, soldiers and ammunition from North Korea and various types of support from China,” she observed. “The lesson is clear: regional tensions are no longer regional. Our security is interconnected.”

She warned that without cooperation, middle powers risk becoming observers or the “subject of conversations,” but through alliances they can help maintain stability.

“The fact that international rules are being violated does not mean we should abandon them,” she stated.

“On the contrary, it means we must defend them more constantly and more courageously. International law may be imperfect, but history teaches us that the alternative is far worse.”

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Ethiopian citizens will cast ballots Monday in a national election where the governing party is anticipated to achieve an overwhelming victory amid a divided and weakened opposition landscape.

The Prosperity Party of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presently controls over 500 positions in the House of Representatives and is projected to secure a majority in Monday’s voting, guaranteeing him an additional five-year tenure.

Approximately 50 million citizens from Ethiopia’s total population of 130 million are anticipated to participate in selecting House of Representatives members, though safety concerns in heavily populated areas like Amhara and Oromia may impact voter participation.

Under Ethiopia’s electoral framework, citizens choose their representatives, who subsequently select the prime minister. Voters will additionally choose members for their regional government councils.

Key campaign issues this year center on national unity following conflicts in areas including Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara, alongside development promises as officials commit to implementing significant infrastructure initiatives.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who previously mediated Tigray peace negotiations, is directing 73 African Union election monitors.

Upon his Saturday arrival in Ethiopia, Kenyatta stressed the continental significance of Ethiopia’s electoral process, given the nation serves as home to African Union headquarters. “Ours is to call for peaceful situation as Ethiopians are known for,” he said.

Critics have charged Abiy’s government with human rights abuses targeting opposition voices and media professionals, contradicting his 2020 commitments to democratic governance and peace.

His leadership period has included the northern Tigray conflict, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths when federal military forces battled regional troops. Peace accords were finalized in November 2022.

Abiy received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for resolving Ethiopia’s prolonged dispute with neighboring Eritrea, though relations between the nations have deteriorated, with Addis Ababa claiming Asmara backs insurgent organizations seeking to undermine stability.

Concerns exist that tensions could intensify and pull the unstable Tigray area into a surrogate conflict, while humanitarian organizations highlight critical conditions in the region.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front — the leading political organization in Ethiopia’s northernmost Tigray territory — has been banned while maintaining regional authority and threatening to abandon the 2022 peace deal, which federal officials view as an effort to restart hostilities.

For a second consecutive election cycle, the territory will remain absent from national voting, eliminating its federal representation in Ethiopia’s 547-member parliament and further marginalizing the region amid worsening hunger and violence, plus alleged resource restrictions by central authorities.

Tigray has lacked federal parliamentary representation for six years running.

Political analyst Bayu Samuel, based in Addis Ababa, believes this election will likely be conducted fairly due to “technological advancements in the electoral process” and heightened public engagement.

Nevertheless, several opposition groups have criticized the governing party’s unfair electoral benefits.

Mistresilasie Tamerat, the youngest candidate and leader of the opposition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party, describes the electoral process as “far from genuine and democratic.”

“The system favors the ruling party, and we can’t even freely operate (or) meet with our constituents,” she said.

Eyoel Solomon, a spokesperson for the main opposition Ezema party, stated his organization aims to eliminate identity-based political divisions.

“We have seen citizens being attacked because of their identity. We have seen them being persecuted simply for living in areas deemed by others not to be ‘theirs’,” he said.

While most campaign activities occurred in Addis Ababa, the capital has experienced significant military deployment in recent days.

Electoral discussions have dominated local discourse throughout the city, despite unusually subdued campaigning featuring fewer public gatherings and minimal community outreach efforts.

Election officials have designated Monday as a national holiday, shutting government facilities to promote voter participation.

More than four years after Belarus’ authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko permitted his longtime partner Russia to launch attacks on Ukraine from Belarusian soil, officials in Kyiv are sounding the alarm that Lukashenko might once again open his country’s borders for additional Kremlin assaults.

Though Belarus hasn’t sent its own soldiers into combat, Lukashenko has supported President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign by allowing Russia to station nuclear weapons and military facilities on his territory, while also manufacturing components for Moscow’s defense industry. This month, both nations conducted joint nuclear exercises featuring Russian weapons positioned in Belarus.

Lukashenko, who has maintained power for more than thirty years, has governed the country of 9.5 million people through authoritarian rule, systematically suppressing opposition while depending on strong Russian relationships and Moscow’s financial support to weather ongoing Western sanctions.

The growing military partnership between Moscow and Minsk is causing alarm among Ukraine’s international supporters.

During Putin’s large-scale assault on Ukraine beginning Feb. 24, 2022, Russian forces assembled in Belarus under the pretense of military exercises before racing toward Kyiv, located just 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the border.

Putin’s strategy to rapidly seize Kyiv was defeated by determined Ukrainian defense, leaving Russian tank columns stretched along narrow roadways vulnerable to attack.

Slightly more than one month into the invasion, Russian forces that experienced significant casualties and supply chain difficulties retreated from Kyiv and other captured areas in northeastern Ukraine in what the Kremlin described as a “goodwill gesture.”

During Moscow’s attempts to negotiate a swift resolution to the fighting in the early weeks, Belarus provided the venue for initial discussions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives. These negotiations later shifted to Istanbul but ultimately failed to reach an agreement.

As the fighting evolved into a prolonged conflict, Belarus has maintained a crucial role in backing Moscow’s military operations. Belarusian factories have manufactured vital components, including microchips and electronics, optical targeting systems, artillery shells, and heavy vehicles that transport Russian ballistic missiles.

Ukraine’s presidential envoy on sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, reported that debris from an Oreshnik ballistic missile that Russia launched at Ukraine on May 24 included microchips manufactured in Belarus. He called on Western partners to strengthen sanctions enforcement against Belarus.

Belarus has also supplied training facilities for Moscow’s forces, conducted joint military exercises, and offered its medical facilities to care for injured Russian personnel.

BELPOL, an organization of former military and law enforcement officials opposing Lukashenko, reported that Belarusian industries have become part of the Kremlin’s military apparatus. The group states that more than 500 Belarusian industrial facilities participate in weapons and ammunition production, military equipment repair, and logistical support.

“Lukashenko’s regime is quite seriously involved in the war,” BELPOL head Uladzimir Zhyhar told The Associated Press. “Lukashenko is helping Russia in every way he can.”

In the Gomel region bordering Ukraine, construction has started on a large firing range and barracks designed for substantial troop numbers, Zhyhar reported. Ukraine has been required to station many forces along the Belarus border, he noted, preventing them from engaging Russian troops along the more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) battle line.

Belarus, which also shares borders with NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, has accommodated some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons. In December, Russia announced that its newest intermediate range nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system became operational in Belarus.

Russia has deployed a conventionally armed variant of the Oreshnik to attack Ukrainian targets three times — in November 2024 and again in January and earlier this month.

In 2024, the Kremlin updated its nuclear policy, extending the Russian nuclear shield to cover Belarus. Putin has stated that Moscow will maintain command of its nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus but would permit its partner to choose targets during a conflict.

Earlier this month, Russia and Belarus conducted extensive exercises that included delivering nuclear warheads to missile units and preparing for launches. During the exercise, a Belarusian missile team test-launched a nuclear-capable Iskander missile from a facility in southern Russia.

“Belarus lacks military sovereignty, and as soon as Moscow sees it as necessary for its strategy, Moscow will naturally use Belarus as a launchpad for a new invasion of Ukraine or some kind of armed conflict with NATO countries,” Zhyhar said, noting that Belarus offers a “very convenient springboard” for such an invasion.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that his intelligence agencies had discovered Moscow recently intensified efforts to “draw Belarus much deeper into the war and launch additional aggressive operations precisely from Belarusian territory.” He indicated the target could be along the Chernihiv-Kyiv area or against a NATO country bordering Belarus.

Zelenskyy announced he directed the military and security agencies to prepare a response and reinforce northern defenses.

Lukashenko has rejected any aggressive intentions, stating Belarus will not join the conflict unless attacked.

Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s former defense minister and now secretary of its Security Council, also dismissed Zelenskyy’s assertion, characterizing it as a fear tactic to secure additional Western assistance for Kyiv.

However, indicating growing Western worry, French President Emmanuel Macron contacted Lukashenko on May 24 to highlight the dangers for Belarus of being pulled into the war, their first conversation since the invasion started. Lukashenko announced that next week he will receive a French representative for discussions on European security and possibilities of reducing EU sanctions.

Andrii Demchenko, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Border Guard Service, reported last week that while intelligence information suggests Russia has increasingly pressured Belarus to directly join the war, Ukrainian forces haven’t yet observed any accumulation of troops and weapons near the border.

Belarus’ opposition leader-in-exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, visited Kyiv last week and stressed that “Belarus must never again become a springboard for aggression.”

“Russian tanks must never again march through Belarus to Chernihiv, Zhitomir, Rivne, or Kyiv,” Tsikhanouskaya told AP. “Ukraine is fighting for itself and for all the peoples who have lived in the shadow of empire for too long. It is fighting for the right to live in peace. And the fate of my country, Belarus, also depends on Ukraine’s success.”

According to official information, Belarus’ military forces include 48,600 personnel, a small force compared with Russia’s 1.5 million. During wartime, Belarus is prepared to mobilize 290,000, but they would require weapons and training to become battle-ready.

“The Belarusian army is unfit for offensive action,” said Alexander Alesin, a Minsk-based military analyst. “An attack from Belarus would require … mobilizing up to 500,000 troops.”

That would mean removing all the men from the national economy and then finding arms for them, he said, adding: “I consider this option unlikely.”

Ukraine has constructed heavy fortifications along the border with Belarus and deployed mines that would easily halt any attempted invasion, he said.

“Even with a small force, the Ukrainians can easily defend themselves and inflict heavy losses on the Belarusian army,” Alesin said. “From a military perspective, it’s impossible to launch an attack from Belarusian territory without suffering heavy losses.”

Lukashenko is satisfied with Belarus’ role as a major supplier of military equipment and would strongly resist direct participation in the war, he added.

“The last thing Lukashenko wants is to fight, and he’ll cling to his current position at any cost, so he can avoid fighting while profiting handsomely from the war,” Alesin said.

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Citizens across Colombia headed to polling stations Sunday for the opening round of the nation’s presidential race, selecting from candidates offering sharply contrasting approaches to achieving peace in a country scarred by generations of violent conflict.

The election serves as a judgment on the policies of departing President Gustavo Petro, taking place a decade after the country reached a landmark peace agreement with fighters from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC.

The accord had raised expectations of ending the nation’s destructive pattern of warfare between insurgent organizations and government forces, but bloodshed has surged again recently, escalating during the campaign period. Criminal organizations have stepped up drone attacks, violent incidents have disrupted the electoral process, and in June, Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old politician seeking the presidency, was killed by gunfire during a campaign event.

In a nation where pursuing peace has traditionally shaped political discourse, strategies for managing the ongoing conflict are again creating deep divisions among voters.

Although 14 names appear on the ballot, the contest has essentially narrowed to three major contenders.

Senator and peace advocate Ivan Cepeda — an ally of Petro — has maintained a polling advantage and pledges to continue Petro’s “total peace” strategy of engaging in talks with surviving insurgent factions and establishing peace deals to address the ongoing crisis.

Despite the peace strategy’s limited success as criminal elements have exploited government ceasefires, Cepeda and Petro retain significant backing from supporters who appreciate progressive measures implemented during Petro’s administration, including increases to the minimum wage.

Challenging Cepeda are Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia, both promising more aggressive military action against armed organizations.

De la Espriella — a flamboyant attorney nicknamed “The Tiger” — has gained momentum with voters recently by presenting himself as a political outsider eager to adopt the forceful anti-gang strategies employed in El Salvador, which dramatically decreased gang activity while drawing criticism over human rights violations.

Valencia is viewed as the political successor to Colombia’s former president and authoritarian leader Álvaro Uribe, who led the country from 2002 to 2010 with substantial backing from the United States and whose administration launched a counteroffensive against FARC insurgents that resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Both de la Espriella and Valencia have emphasized their support for U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his increasingly confrontational approach toward Latin America compared to previous U.S. leaders and his demands that countries including Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico intensify their campaigns against criminal organizations.

Should no candidate secure at least 50% of votes — an extremely uncommon occurrence in Colombia — the leading two vote recipients will compete in a runoff election in June.

Maria Eugenia, a 57-year-old seamstress who was working on a pair of jeans Friday in central Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, expressed support for an aggressive campaign against the growing number of criminal organizations, despite potential human consequences.

Though she appreciated Petro’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system, she indicated plans to vote for de la Espriella due to escalating violence in the country’s rural regions.

“Of course, whenever you come down with a heavy hand, there’s always going to be debate,” she said. “But some people are going to have to fall to clean up what needs to be cleaned.”

Others, including 26-year-old Cristian Morales, who walked past her business, disagreed with that approach.

Though Petro’s peace initiative has fallen short in numerous areas, he explained, modifying a strategy designed to end the country’s cycles of violence was preferable to adopting another extreme position.

He indicated his intention to support Cepeda, prioritizing the candidate’s commitment to preserving Colombia’s natural environment and expanding educational opportunities over dramatic promises to eliminate the nation’s deeply rooted conflict. Morales described such a goal as something he considers “impossible” to accomplish within a single four-year presidential administration.

“The solution to this conflict isn’t aggressive confrontations. It will only end in more bloodshed,” he said. “It’s so difficult because it’s either dialogue or arms, and an internal conflict isn’t good for anyone.”

Manufacturing activity in China barely expanded during May, with new government statistics highlighting concerns about the world’s second-largest economy’s ability to maintain momentum amid international pressures.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed the official manufacturing purchasing managers index declined to 50 from April’s reading of 50.3. The index operates on a 0-100 scale where numbers above 50 signal growth and figures below 50 indicate shrinkage.

Several key indicators within the report showed weakening trends. New orders fell to 49.9 from the previous month’s 50.6, while production slightly decreased to 51.2 from 51.5 in April. Raw material inventory levels also dropped to 48.6 from April’s 49.3.

Despite global energy market disruptions stemming from the Iran war, China has experienced fewer negative impacts compared to other nations dealing with rising inflation as oil costs have climbed following the Strait of Hormuz closure, a critical shipping route for one-fifth of global oil during normal times.

Economic experts note that China’s substantial oil stockpiles and varied energy supply sources have allowed the nation to largely avoid serious consequences from the conflict.

“Though the energy crisis remains the dominant headwind for Asia, China is relatively more shielded given its robust energy security set-up,” Frederic Neumann, Chief Asia Economist at HSBC bank, wrote in a research note last week.

Export markets continue playing a crucial role in China’s economic performance, according to HSBC analysis.

Although Chinese shipments to America have declined compared to the same periods last year during most recent months, international exports have shown strength, especially to European and Southeast Asian markets.

Optimism for improved U.S. trade relations has grown following President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing during mid-May, when both nations agreed to establish separate trade and investment boards.

Vehicle, technology and artificial intelligence-related exports have supported growth, though some economists express broader economic concerns. Internal consumer demand continues struggling following an extended real estate sector decline that has damaged consumer confidence and investment activity.

“Domestic demand is lagging, but high-end manufacturing and exports are holding the line,” Robin Xing, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, wrote in a research note last week.

Government officials have established an annual economic growth goal of 4.5% to 5% for this year. This represents the most modest target since 1991, though only marginally below the “around 5%” objective established in 2025.

Morgan Stanley analysts believe China will probably achieve its 2026 target, but oil pricing and reduced uncertainty surrounding global petroleum supplies will be critical factors influencing future economic direction.

BANGKOK (AP) — As the summer travel season approaches, escalating costs and disruptions from the conflict with Iran are putting severe pressure on Southeast Asian nations that depend heavily on tourism revenue, particularly Thailand and Vietnam.

The region’s busiest tourist period faces significant challenges as rising jet fuel expenses and uncertainty about ceasefires lead to flight cancellations and more expensive airfare.

Asian tourism hasn’t completely bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic yet. Currently, numerous nations are dealing with how the conflict affects worldwide energy supplies and pricing, which impacts Asia most severely and earliest. Some households are reducing travel plans as expenses at gas pumps and supermarkets climb globally. Tourist crowds have decreased at destinations once famous for heavy visitation.

“With gasoline prices rising and tourism declining, how can we make money?” asked Siv Pech, a 58-year-old tuk-tuk driver in Siem Reap, home to Cambodia’s centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex.

Tourism serves as a crucial economic foundation for numerous developing countries. It represents almost 13% of gross domestic product in Thailand and close to 9% in Vietnam, while supporting millions of jobs in Cambodia. International visitors provide essential foreign currency for import-reliant economies like the Philippines and Nepal.

These tourism revenues are more vital than ever as conflict-related oil price increases raise fuel import expenses, particularly for regions that depended on the Strait of Hormuz near Iran’s coastline as a pathway for much of their oil and gas.

The conflict will decide which tourism enterprises can endure long enough to gain from travelers’ eventual return, said Jitsai Santaputra of The Lantau Group, an energy industry consulting firm. “This, happening within five years of each other, first the pandemic and now the war, is horrible for the tourism industry,” she said.

Jet fuel shortages and climbing costs have caused Vietnam Airlines, the Malaysia-based AirAsia group, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and other carriers to cut flights or re-adjust schedules.

European carriers face a squeeze from similar issues.

Airspace closures across the Persian Gulf early in the war and the intermittent closures of certain Gulf airports cut off key layover locations for Asia-bound flights or forced commercial airplanes to take longer, costlier routes.

Flight prices have increased dramatically, with airlines like Air India and Cathay Pacific implementing sharp increases in fuel surcharges.

Cathay Pacific’s fuel surcharge for medium-haul flights has jumped to 633 Hong Kong dollars ($80) from 264 Hong Kong dollars ($34) before the war. For long-haul flights, it increased to 1,362 Hong Kong dollars ($174) from 569 Hong Kong dollars ($73).

“Jet fuel prices remain at highly elevated levels” and have increased cost pressures, said Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer. Travelers are booking closer to their departure dates, she said, indicating growing unease.

Sandra Awodele, a freelance travel writer in the Washington area, often plans year-round international trips and hoped this summer would finally be the one she crossed Asia off her bucket list.

In March, she began planning a long-awaited vacation to Thailand, envisioning one to two weeks of exploring. Her plans hit a wall when she checked airfares.

“I looked at flight options and that’s where it ended,” Awodele said.

On the ground, rising fuel costs in tourism-dependent Southeast Asia are squeezing taxi and ride-hailing app drivers.

Pech, the Cambodian tuk-tuk driver, said he used to earn up to $20 a day toting tourists around Siem Reap. That’s plummeted to about $5 a day.

His gas bill eats half of that. The rest goes to food. “Some days, I don’t earn even a cent,” he said.

Tourism is vital for many regional economies, accounting for nearly 11% of economic activity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2019, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

An analysis by Moody’s Analytics estimated effects from the war would likely reduce economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region by 0.1 to 0.4 percentage points in 2026.

“The conflict will weigh on growth mainly through higher production costs and consumer prices, along with weaker external demand from trade and tourism,” said Albert Park, chief economist at the Asia Development Bank.

Higher airfares and weaker travel confidence can quickly spill over into household livelihoods and public revenues in economies where visitor arrivals are a major source of jobs, income and foreign exchange, according to a recent report by the United Nations Development Program.

Travel is often the first expense people cut when the economy worsens, said Le Tuyet Lan, who runs bed-and-breakfast properties in Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

In times of crisis luxury travelers tend to shift toward midrange options, midrange travelers move toward budget hotels, and the cheapest tier of the market becomes the most vulnerable.

“This will disrupt the whole industry,” she said.

Tourism in Thailand is “a big industry and we are feeling it,” said Santaputra with The Lantau Group in Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia’s most visited cities.

The number of visitors to Thailand fell 7% year-on-year in April, while European arrivals fell almost 16% and Middle Eastern arrivals sank 57%, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

In neighboring Cambodia, Sokha Sambo, owner of the popular Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant in Siem Reap, said the rising price of liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking has strained her budget, hindering her ability to dish out her signature green curries.

“I’m worried about gas and goods inflation. It makes the business less profitable and difficult to cover employees’ salaries,” said Sambo, who has 14 staff members.

In the first four months of 2026, the number of recorded international and domestic visitors to Siem Reap dropped by 37.5% compared to the same period last year, according to the province’s tourism department.

“This has greatly affected all of us,” Sambo said.

Chen Jiao works in an unusual profession: she helps tourists transform themselves into ancient Chinese royalty as part of a growing cultural revival among young people.

She’s among hundreds of styling professionals operating near Beijing’s Forbidden City, the former palace complex that housed rulers from China’s final two imperial dynasties, the Ming and Qing periods.

Daily, customers visit to don elaborate robes featuring phoenix embroidery and accessorize with jade jewelry, pearl ornaments, and golden nail protectors reminiscent of imperial court fashion. Artists carefully apply period makeup while arranging hair with decorative pins and tassels.

Typical sessions cost 300 yuan ($45), while premium packages can reach over 1,000 yuan (exceeding $150).

After their makeovers, clients head to the ancient fortress walls and surrounding waterways for photo shoots, sharing images across social platforms. The experience blends historical elements with contemporary touches, as some participants wear athletic shoes and designer eyewear while sipping modern beverages.

“Peak periods bring tremendous crowds, particularly during national holidays and weekend days,” Chen said.

During a recent busy period, she started her workday at 6 a.m. and completed styling for approximately 24 young women. The industry experiences steady demand year-round, with only brief slowdowns when the historic site closes, she explained.

This immersive historical fashion experience has gained momentum among youth in recent years, with Beijing’s offerings drawing primarily from the nation’s two most recent dynasties.

The Ming period lasted over 270 years before ending in 1644, during which the Forbidden City was constructed and the Great Wall was strengthened. The subsequent Qing dynasty, led by Manchu rulers, fell in 1912, concluding over 2,000 years of imperial governance.

Chen Xiao represents the tourists now flocking to Beijing’s heritage locations for these styling experiences. The university student journeyed overnight from Shandong province in eastern China during the recent Qingming festival period.

“I believe when visiting a particular place, your attire should complement the environment,” Chen said while wearing rose-colored garments typical of a “Gege,” representing a Qing dynasty princess.

The facility housing Chen Jiao’s business demonstrates this industry’s explosive expansion. Approximately four years ago, only several costume studios operated in the building. Current estimates suggest more than 100 now function there, according to regional news sources.

“Young Chinese citizens are recognizing the beauty of ancestral dress while discovering their nation’s deep cultural legacy,” said Cai Zehong, who established Hanfu Beijing, among the first organizations created by enthusiasts to celebrate Han ethnic traditions and customs.

China’s enduring fascination with period television dramas has fueled this movement.

“I’ve viewed numerous historical television series,” Chen Xiao said. “Those programs have certainly shaped my interests. Recently, I’ve become particularly fascinated with Qing dynasty history.

Liu Ruitong, a college student visiting from Hebei province, selected dark-colored Ming-era clothing.

“This style appears very refined and stately, particularly in its color scheme. I selected black because it complements the Forbidden City beautifully and harmonizes with traditional Chinese landscapes overall,” Liu said.

SINGAPORE – Japan’s defense minister Koizumi Shinjirō rejected claims of “new militarism” during remarks at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, the region’s top gathering for defense officials and military leaders.

Speaking on Sunday, Koizumi challenged the accusations with pointed comments directed at China. “Think about it. There’s a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled ‘new militarism’?,” he stated.

The defense minister emphasized Japan’s commitment to international cooperation, saying “Since the end of the Second World war, Japan has consistently respected international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and has made sincere efforts tomaintain and strengthen a free and open international order.”

The comments come after China’s foreign ministry urged Asia-Pacific nations in May to remain alert and “jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan’s neo-militarism.”

Koizumi expressed disappointment about missing opportunities for dialogue, noting he felt “sad” about not being able to meet his Chinese counterparts at the conference.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has now skipped the Singapore security forum for two consecutive years, avoiding face-to-face meetings with international defense officials.

Manufacturing activity in China remained stagnant during May, according to official data released Sunday, as the sector faced challenges from declining domestic demand and increased production expenses.

The government’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 50 from April’s 50.3, hovering at the threshold that divides expansion from decline, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported. Financial analysts surveyed by Reuters had predicted the reading would hold at 50.

While production capacity increased, orders declined, with manufacturing PMI sub-categories showing production at 51.2 and new orders at 49.9. Raw material inventory levels registered 48.6 in the survey.

These PMI findings contribute to worries about economic deceleration, following information released earlier this month indicating growth pace slowed in April even as exports bounced back.

Ongoing challenges in real estate markets, job creation and household spending continue to hinder expansion, making China dependent on international demand to purchase goods from its manufacturing industries.

The Chinese government has pledged to tackle the supply-demand imbalance and established a more modest GDP growth objective for 2026, providing additional space for policy changes.

Military conflict in the Middle East, which began in late February and resulted in the practical shutdown of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, has driven energy costs higher, posing risks to manufacturer profitability as expenses climb.

A meeting between Chinese and U.S. leaders in Beijing during mid-May failed to produce an extension of the trade agreement the two nations negotiated late last year, though both countries committed to investigating opportunities for duty reductions on approximately $30 billion worth of products from each side.

External influences have affected Chinese manufacturers unevenly. Petrochemical companies and other primary industries have suffered most from rising imported material costs, while inventory building by purchasers worried about additional price increases and worldwide appetite for semiconductors and related artificial intelligence products have supported advanced manufacturing.

Technology and equipment manufacturing exceeded overall sector performance in May, recording PMI scores of 52.9 and 52.1, NBS information indicated. Operations in energy-intensive industries, however, declined.

The non-manufacturing PMI, covering services and construction sectors, increased to 50.1 from April’s 49.4, NBS data revealed.

WASHINGTON — American military forces launched a missile strike against a commercial vessel attempting to violate the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, hitting the ship’s engine room, according to U.S. Central Command officials on Saturday.

The cargo vessel Lian Star, flying under the Gambian flag, disregarded more than 20 warnings from American forces during overnight hours while attempting to reach an Iranian port, military officials reported. The vessel now sits disabled in the Gulf of Oman waters, and American forces have not yet boarded the ship, according to a U.S. official familiar with the operation who spoke anonymously about military activities.

This latest incident brings to six the total number of vessels that U.S. military forces have intercepted while attempting to violate the blockade. Military officials noted that one ship was permitted to continue its journey, while another 116 vessels have been turned away.

The blockade began on April 17 as America’s response to Iran effectively shutting down the strait following the outbreak of Middle Eastern conflict that started with American and Israeli military strikes on February 28. A tenuous ceasefire has remained in place since April 7, with the region now waiting to learn whether an agreement can be struck to extend the truce for 60 days while negotiations proceed regarding Iran’s controversial nuclear program.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial shipping channel between Iran and Oman, has created significant disruptions to the worldwide economy. Large quantities of oil, natural gas, and related products including fertilizer remain stuck in transit, adding pressure on both consumers and agricultural producers.

America’s blockade aims to restrict Iran’s shipping capabilities and further limit the country’s revenue streams, adding additional economic pressure to its already struggling economy.

President Donald Trump held meetings with his advisers on Friday but has not yet made a decision about proceeding with an agreement to extend the ceasefire and reopen the waterway. Iranian officials have stated that no deal has been completed.

Despite Iran’s claims that it must authorize all passage through the strait, commercial shipping has continued moving through the waterway, though at significantly reduced levels compared to pre-conflict volumes.

“Any violation of these regulations will place the security of their passage at serious risk,” Iran’s joint military command warned in a Saturday statement broadcast on state television, threatening to target any military ships that attempt to interfere.

Iran has imposed transit fees as high as $2 million, which maritime experts describe as a breach of fundamental international shipping law regarding free peaceful navigation.

Qatar’s deputy prime minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, stated Saturday that his Gulf nation opposes charging transit fees, “but for certain times when they say they are going to use it for mine clearing or some usage of the fees for a temporary time, this is something that is negotiable, and it could be something that will help the transit of the Strait of Hormuz to be back to normal stage.”

A U.S. official had previously informed The Associated Press that American forces have not located or eliminated any mines in the strait.

The head of Myanmar’s military-backed administration arrived in India on Saturday for official diplomatic discussions with key regional partners, according to state media reports.

Min Aung Hlaing’s journey marks his inaugural official trip to India since taking the presidential oath in April after elections that opposition voices claim were designed to preserve military control. His previous visit to India occurred in 2019 while serving as military commander.

Despite Western sanctions following the military’s 2021 overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected administration and subsequent nationwide conflict, India has continued diplomatic relations with Myanmar’s military leadership.

According to state-controlled MRTV television, Min Aung Hlaing flew from Naypyitaw on Saturday morning, touching down at Gaya International Airport in Bihar state, close to the Buddhist pilgrimage destination of Bodh Gaya.

The broadcast indicated he would conduct discussions with India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with government ministers and business community leaders, focusing on enhancing partnerships across economic, religious, cultural and social areas.

Cabinet members are traveling with the president, who will also tour significant infrastructure projects during his stay, MRTV reported.

The two nations share a 1,643-kilometer border and maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal. India currently shelters thousands of Myanmar refugees who escaped violence in Chin state and other conflict zones.

Myanmar holds strategic value for India’s security concerns, with both countries collaborating on border protection and intelligence operations against insurgent organizations in frontier areas.

Opposition voices have denounced the visit as providing unwarranted credibility to Myanmar’s military administration.

“We condemn India’s decision to host Min Aung Hlaing, who is a war criminal waging a campaign of terror against the Myanmar people,” said Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for the Justice For Myanmar activist group, in an emailed statement on Friday.

She said India has long supported Myanmar’s military through military training programs and business ties.

“India must change course, stop awarding false legitimacy to the junta, stop profiting from the military’s campaign of terror against the people, and instead support the Myanmar people who are struggling and sacrificing daily for federal democracy,” said Yadanar Maung.

Northern Israel faced a barrage of rocket fire on Saturday as Hezbollah launched multiple attacks, forcing authorities to implement emergency measures including hospital relocations and educational facility shutdowns.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that rockets launched from Lebanon targeting the Kiryat Shmona region were successfully intercepted. Military officials later announced that another wave of rockets directed at Karmiel was also stopped, with no casualties reported from either incident.

Defense forces intercepted additional projectiles heading toward Safed and surrounding northern towns. Video footage from Nahariya captured rockets splashing into the Mediterranean Sea close to the coastline as people on the beach scrambled for cover.

Following the attacks, the IDF Home Front Command enacted enhanced security protocols throughout northern Israel. Educational institutions near the Lebanon border were shuttered, while schools in other northern areas were limited to operating only where protective shelters could be accessed quickly. Work facilities may remain open under identical shelter accessibility requirements. Outdoor public events are capped at 50 attendees, indoor gatherings at 200, and coastal areas have been shut down.

The Health Ministry declared that the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya would transfer its operations to a fortified underground complex in response to the heightened security guidelines and ongoing rocket and drone strikes from Hezbollah.

Military sources also disclosed that forces targeted a Hezbollah artillery command facility in the Burj al-Shamali region of southern Lebanon on Friday. The IDF stated the location was occupied during the strike, with subsequent secondary explosions suggesting weapons stockpiles were housed within the building.

As Hezbollah intensified its attacks, opposition leaders Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot voiced sharp criticism of the government’s response.

“The government is returning us to the contemptible policy of containment and normalizing an intolerable and unacceptable situation,” Bennett wrote. “Over the weekend, sirens were heard every 20 minutes across the north and people were forced to seek shelter. This is not victory.”

The escalation occurred as Israeli and Lebanese military representatives began Pentagon-facilitated discussions in Washington on Friday, part of a new American-supported security coordination framework designed to prevent further escalation and strengthen the ceasefire established in mid-April.

A State Department official told Fox News Digital: “As we have continuously stated, the only path to lasting peace is through direct negotiations between the two sovereign governments.”

Britain’s foreign minister Yvette Cooper is scheduled to begin a diplomatic mission to Asia on Monday, with stops planned in both China and India to address pressing worldwide concerns ranging from regional conflicts to recent disease outbreaks.

During her visit to China, Cooper is set to hold meetings with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on June 2. Following these discussions, she will head to the southern tech hub of Shenzhen for a science and technology-focused program scheduled for the following day, according to government officials.

The announcement came Sunday, following earlier reports about the planned diplomatic visit that cited multiple sources last month.

The trip builds on recent diplomatic progress between the two nations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping celebrated improved relations during the British leader’s January visit to China, committing to enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and technology sectors for shared benefits.

Cooper’s diplomatic tour to China and India — representing the world’s second-largest and sixth-largest economies respectively — takes place amid rising global tensions, increasing oil costs following the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and Britain’s ongoing economic challenges with slow growth.

The foreign minister is scheduled to arrive in India on June 4, where meetings are planned with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar along with business leaders, academic figures and government officials working on the UK-India Vision 2035 program.

Both nations established a free trade agreement last year designed to increase bilateral commerce and enhance market opportunities across various industries. However, India’s trade secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted last month that progress has faced obstacles due to London’s recent restrictions on steel imports.

According to British government officials, Cooper’s meetings “with these two major powers are expected to be focused on tackling the most significant global challenges.”

Starmer, who has faced significant approval rating challenges domestically, became the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. His centre-left Labour government has prioritized rebuilding relationships with China as part of its foreign policy agenda.

Following a lengthy two-hour discussion in the Situation Room, President Donald Trump has not given his approval to a proposed agreement that would extend a ceasefire with Iran and begin fresh nuclear negotiations, keeping the future of any potential deal uncertain.

Despite the president’s earlier statement that he would reach a “final determination” on the proposal, the White House has made no announcement regarding a completed agreement or approved draft after the meeting concluded. Any deal being considered would need sign-off from both the U.S. president and Iran’s top leadership.

On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance announced that Washington and Tehran had developed a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict, awaiting Trump’s approval. The plan includes extending the ceasefire for 60 days and beginning fresh discussions about Iran’s nuclear program.

According to administration officials, President Trump brought together his advisers in the Situation Room to determine the terms he views as crucial for any agreement. Key among these demands are removing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions.”

Though administration officials suggest a deal could be possible, multiple matters remain unresolved. Remaining disagreements reportedly involve releasing Iranian assets and questions about managing and transferring nuclear materials.

Tom Barrack is departing his position as US Special Envoy for Syria as the Trump administration transitions toward establishing complete diplomatic ties with Damascus.

The Lebanese-American real estate billionaire received his appointment in May 2025 following Washington’s announcement to remove major sanctions against Damascus, maintaining his dual role as US ambassador to Turkey throughout his envoy tenure.

The Associated Press reported earlier this year that congressional members received notification about the State Department’s plans to “implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria,” suggesting Barrack’s departure could pave the way for reopening the closed Damascus embassy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that Barrack’s special envoy term was concluding and hinted the position would not continue.

“Ambassador Tom Barrak has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria,” Rubio stated.

“While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country,” Rubio added.

A close associate of President Trump for many years, Barrack led Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee prior to accepting diplomatic duties.

Throughout his special envoy tenure, Barrack participated in crucial elements of US strategy regarding Syria after Bashar Assad’s removal from power. His responsibilities encompassed managing sanctions relief efforts, reconstruction projects involving Turkey and Gulf nations, and collaboration against the Islamic State terrorist organization. He additionally facilitated negotiations between Syria’s government and Kurdish-led groups while supporting measures to strengthen Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration and expand US diplomatic relations with Damascus.

Following his 17 May meeting with al-Sharaa in Damascus, Barrack characterized Syria as “a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration and hope for the entire region”.

His service also faced opposition. In Lebanon, his comments encouraging journalists to conduct themselves in a “civilized” rather than “animalistic” fashion during a press briefing generated controversy. Syrian-Kurdish leadership also criticized him for adopting an overly “pro-Damascus” stance and applying pressure on Kurdish organizations to accept conditions promoted by al-Sharaa.

Barrack represents the fourth US special envoy to Syria over the previous 12 years. The United States has not designated an ambassador to Syria since Stephen Ford, whose service lasted from December 2011 through February 2014.

A judicial ruling in the Turks and Caicos Islands has resulted in a prison term of four years and 26 days for Michael Misick, the territory’s former premier, following his conviction in a major corruption case that spanned several years.

Authorities took Misick into custody in Brazil during December 2012 after Brazilian officials denied his request for political asylum. The charges against him included corruption, misappropriating public funds, and gaining personal profit from selling government property to development companies.

Friday’s sentencing decision imposed the four-year, 26-day prison term on Misick. Earlier in February, a court found him guilty on three bribery charges. Misick has maintained that the accusations were politically motivated.

The same court proceeding on Friday also resulted in prison sentences for former Cabinet minister McAllister Hanchell and attorney Thomas Misick, who is Michael Misick’s brother. Hanchell received a three-year sentence while Thomas Misick was given four years. Authorities placed all three men in custody, and they plan to challenge their sentences through appeals.

Michael Misick resigned from his premier position in 2009, not long after British authorities assumed temporary control of the territory’s administration and halted its constitution due to widespread corruption allegations. Direct British oversight concluded in November 2012 when the territory conducted new elections.

Venezuela’s former opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González issued a call Saturday for new presidential elections as interim President Delcy Rodríguez nears the five-month milestone of her administration following a U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power in early January.

The 76-year-old former diplomat received international recognition as the rightful victor of July 2024’s contested elections during a period marked by post-election turmoil and street demonstrations, with opposition groups claiming electoral fraud had occurred.

International observers validated electoral documentation demonstrating González had defeated Maduro in the voting.

Through a social media post, González declared the time has come to “build the conditions for holding presidential elections that serve as citizen instruments for change” while helping to restore institutional order and establish groundwork for governmental stability.

González’s statement arrives nearly five months after Rodríguez took control on January 5, subsequent to Maduro’s detention along with his spouse, both now facing legal proceedings in the United States.

Rodríguez, previously an associate of Maduro, received official recognition from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, leading to bilateral advancement on multiple agreements encompassing sanction removals, oil and energy sector discussions, and diplomatic relationship restoration.

Both Caracas and Washington have provided no signals that Venezuelan elections are approaching in the near future. U.S. recognition of Rodríguez as Venezuela’s exclusive leader has enabled her to restore connections with Western financial institutions and collaborate more openly with American business interests.

González emphasized that any electoral process must include “independent referees,” domestic and international monitoring, and political diversity among other requirements, while demanding political prisoner releases and “an end to the persecution” as essential conditions.

The opposition figure declared himself the “guardian” of his supporters’ mandate, who selected “freedom” for Venezuela during the 2024 election. González has remained in Spanish exile since September following arrest warrant issuance by Maduro’s government on conspiracy, usurpation and document falsification allegations — accusations he has strongly rejected.

González rose to prominence after being selected as replacement candidate for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who faced electoral participation restrictions.

Corina Machado held recent discussions with opposition figures in Panama, promoting democratic transition in Venezuela. She declared her intention to return by year’s end to seek the presidency.

American forces struck a ship with a missile Friday after the vessel attempted to break through the military blockade surrounding Iran, according to military officials.

U.S. Central Command announced Saturday that it launched a Hellfire missile targeting the engine compartment of the Lian Star, which flies under Gambia’s flag. The ship was traveling through international waters en route to an Iranian port located on the Gulf of Oman when the strike occurred.

Military personnel had previously issued “more than 20 warnings” to the vessel’s crew, alerting them that their journey violated the established U.S. blockade, Centcom officials stated.

Following the missile strike, Centcom confirmed the ship was “no longer transiting to Iran” but offered no additional information about the vessel’s current status.

The military blockade, which began on April 13, has successfully “redirected” a minimum of 115 vessels, according to Friday’s announcement from Centcom.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated Saturday that American military forces remain prepared to launch additional attacks against Iran should diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations fail.

The continuing hostilities have driven up energy costs worldwide, particularly as Iran has largely shut down operations through the Strait of Hormuz.