Trump:

I warned Netanyahu on attacking Iran.

Trump:

I told Netanyahu that we are close to a solution. Iran wants a deal.

Trump:

Harvard has to show us their list of foreign students.

Trump:

A deal with Iran could be achieved in the coming weeks.

Germany will supply Ukraine with IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for them worth €2.2 billion.

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway in a joint statement:

We call for Palestine to be admitted to the United Nations as a full member.

“The Enigma of Andriy Yermak”

Politico has published a major article on Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, dubbed a “ruthless political puppeteer” with rumored presidential ambitions.

Yermak latched onto Zelensky early, bonding in a basement gym. That relationship led to his rise as chief of staff.

He purged many officials, replacing them with loyalists. One of the few who survived is intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.

Yermak began building his network in the 1990s—first at a gangster-frequented nightclub, then at the luxury boutique Sanahunt, where he helped import goods for oligarchs.

He’s known as a master psychologist, able to read Zelensky and anticipate his needs.

Politico writes: “Ukrainian commentators often call him the producer in the ruling duo, with former comedian Zelensky as the star performer.”

Russia's Lavrov spoke with US Secretary of State Rubio by telephone, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports.

Lavrov informed Rubio about preparations for a new round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

Rubio emphasized the US's readiness to facilitate a rapprochement between the positions of Russia and Ukraine in order to resolve the conflict.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Umerov:

The Russians have 4 days to submit their ceasefire memorandum.

Ukraine has already handed over its document to Russia.

Trump:

I am pleased to announce that our United States Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, will be serving as our Envoy to Syria.

Tom understands there is great potential in working with Syria to stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East.

Trump administration has told US chip designers to stop selling to China.

Source: FT

Zelensky ended his visit to Germany earlier than planned and returned to Ukraine due to the tnreat of a Russian offensive in Sumy region.

Source: Spiegel

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert to Al Jazeera:

Gaza is Palestinian land and the Israeli army must withdraw from it.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert to Al Jazeera:

I hope terrorists Smotrich and Ben Gvir are expelled from the government.

Direct war cost to Israel: ~$48.8 billion

Daily cost: $85.6 million

Source: Channel 12, citing Israel's Defense Ministry:

Russian drone spots a Ukrainian FPV tethered by fiber-optic and cuts its cable with its blades.

US Intel Warns China May Invade Taiwan’s Outlying Islands

A U.S. intelligence report says China could attempt to seize Taiwan’s outlying islands—like Kinmen or Matsu—to pressure Taipei and test Washington, short of full invasion.

The Defense Intelligence Agency warns China may escalate military activity around Taiwan’s offshore territories.

While not expecting an invasion this year, the report outlines scenarios from blockades to joint firepower strikes.

Beijing may avoid force if it believes unification remains negotiable, but will continue using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to deter Taiwan from moving toward independence.

Source: Taiwan News

Turkish Interior Minister:

The number of Syrians who have returned to Syria (from Türkiye) has reached 1.1 million.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert to Al Jazeera:

The two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is the path to peace in the region.

Israel’s new ambassador to Senegal, Yuval Waks, was forced to leave Dakar University after Senegalese students protested his presence in solidarity with Palestinians.