Taiwan’s Wake-Up Call

How far will Washington go to defend Taiwan if a crisis unfolds?

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Belarus President Lukashenko orders a search for rare earth metals in Belarus:

“We need to dig and see what we have in our land.”

NEW: Türkiye summons Iranian envoy over Tehran’s criticism of its policies.

Turkish Foreign Ministry sources:

Iranian officials have increasingly voiced their criticisms of Türkiye in public. We had previously conveyed a dossier on this issue to the Iranian side.

We firmly believe that foreign policy matters should not be used as tools for domestic politics. Therefore, we prefer to communicate critical messages directly to the relevant parties rather than through public statements.

We highly value our relations with Iran and consider strengthening Türkiye-Iran ties a priority.

Ukrainian Prime Minister:

We are working to secure funding for the local manufacture of weapons.

NEW: Clashes erupt between deputies in the Serbian Parliament.

Serbian opposition MPs throw smoke bombs inside parliament in protest against government policies and in support of protesting students.

Ukrainian Prime Minister:

We currently produce about a third of the weapons we need, and our goal is to produce at least 50%.

Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to Zelensky, confirms that the US has stopped military aid to Ukraine:

First, we need to assess which programs will actually stop, considering many were already nearing completion. Some programs were approved by Congress, which involves a specific legal process.

Second, we must evaluate options for procurement or replacement from European partners, especially since substitution programs are already in motion.

Third, Ukraine has experience dealing with prolonged pauses in U.S. military aid and has adapted before.

We are conducting a thorough audit of available resources, potential production within partnerships, and commercial market options.

Discussions are ongoing with European partners, and negotiations with the U.S. remain on the table.

Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan

• Total timeline: 5 years.

• Early recovery (6 months): Debris removal, temporary housing.

• Phase 1 (2 years): 200,000 housing units ($20 billion)

• Phase 2 (2.5 years): 200,000 more units, Gaza airport ($30 billion)

Polish PM Tusk:

Our border reports confirm U.S. aid has been paused for Ukraine.

BIG: Trump asked Putin to mediate Iran nuclear talks.

Source: Bloomberg

Kremlin:

US and Iran should talk, we’re ready to help.

Zelensky:

Productive talk with German CDU Leader Merz.

Aligned positions, appreciated Germany’s support in security, air defense, and financial stability.

Agreed on continued cooperation.

Trump will address Congress today on peace agreements, border security, and the economy.

The speech is set to begin at 9:10 PM Washington time.

This address marks his first speech to Congress since returning to office six weeks ago.

🇺🇸 U.S. Aid to Ukraine and Israel by Trump

🇺🇦 Ukraine: $0

🇮🇱 Israel: $12 billion

Around 20% of the military equipment currently in Ukraine comes from the United States.

Source: Western officials cited by The Times

Due to shortage of interceptor missiles for its five Patriot systems, Ukraine will have to choose between defending an airfield, a power plant, or a weapons factory.

The impact of halted U.S. military aid could be felt on the front lines within weeks.

Source: FT

Ukrainian authorities believe that the suspension of U.S. military aid will lead to territorial losses.

Source: Politico, citing a senior Ukrainian official

Ukraine is working on an alternative military communication system in case the U.S. decides to disable Starlink.

“We have a solution that can be implemented within days, and a larger-scale one within three months.”

However, Ukrainian officials acknowledge that transitioning to new systems would be extremely challenging and could result in battlefield losses.

Source: The Economist

Trump:

We will stop federal funding for colleges and schools that allow "illegal" protests.

Instigators will be imprisoned or permanently returned to the country they came from.

Ukrainians can’t hold out without U.S. support as Washington provides them with the best weapons.

Source: The Times, citing UK officials

New York Times, citing the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Committee Merezhko:

Trump’s halt of military aid is the worst betrayal.

This is our Pearl Harbor.

This date will go down in infamy.