Ukraine’s allies are split on seizing $300B in frozen Russian assets to aid Kyiv. Some push for confiscation, while others fear financial fallout & setting a risky precedent. As U.S. support wavers, the debate heats up.

Poland & Baltic states want confiscation. Germany, France & Italy fear economic backlash & legal precedents. G7 plans a $50B loan backed by profits from these assets.

Source: WSJ

Russia has effectively cut off most of the Ukrainian bridgehead in Kursk region from the border.

Source: Ukraine's DeepState

President Trump has moved to limit Elon Musk’s influence in government, stating that while Musk can offer recommendations, he cannot unilaterally dictate staffing or policy decisions.

Source: Politico

American aerospace company Maxar Technologies has suspended Ukraine’s access to its satellite imagery services.

Maxar cited an “administrative request” as the official reason for the cutoff.

Source: Militarnyi

China will set up a government-backed fund in the near future that will mobilize 1 trillion yuan ($138.01 billion) from social capital to support technology startups, Zheng Shanjie, the head of China's state planner, said.

The fund will focus on cutting-edge fields such as AI, quantum technology, and hydrogen energy storage and will invest in seed-stage and start-up companies through market-oriented methods, state media CCTV reported.

Source: Reuters

Canada should cancel the purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.

Michael Byers, co-director of the Outer Space Institute, urges Canada to cancel its F-35 purchase, citing U.S. political instability and reliance on American-controlled systems.

He warns that without access to the aircraft’s source code, Canada would lack full operational control, compromising its sovereignty.

Lockheed Martin, the U.S. defense contractor responsible for the F-35, refuses to share this code with foreign customers, even close allies. This means:

• Every training or combat mission would require a mission data load processed through U.S. computing facilities.

• The U.S. government could deny access to these facilities, effectively crippling Canada’s F-35 fleet if it chooses to exert pressure.

• The stealth coatings on the jets can only be maintained in the U.S. or Australia, further limiting Canada’s operational independence.

Byers gives a stark warning:

“If the United States wished to invade Canada, it could achieve air superiority – perhaps with just a few keyboard strokes.”

Source: Michael Byers, The Globe and Mail

French Prime Minister:

Trump is destroying the global order and has declared a trade war on Europe.

Chinese FM Wang Yi:

The only reference to the Taiwan region in the U.N. is “Taiwan, Province of China.” Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future.

To clamor for “Taiwan independence” is to split the country, to support “Taiwan independence” is to interfere in China’s internal affairs.

Only 16% of Germans see the US as a trustworthy partner, while 71% support an EU army.

🇫🇷 France – 85% trust | 8% do not trust
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – 78% trust | 13% do not trust
🇺🇦 Ukraine – 44% trust | 41% do not trust
🇺🇸 United States – 16% trust | 75% do not trust
🇷🇺 Russia – 10% trust | 83% do not trust

Source: DeutschlandTrend

Russian missile routes in today’s attack on Ukraine

Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy and gas sectors, yet again.

Ukrainian Air Force reported downing:
25 Kh-101/Kh-55 cruise missiles
8 Kalibr missiles
1 Kh-59/69 missile
100 kamikaze drones

NEW: Syrian Army, under the new Syrian Ministry of Defense, has established control over Latakia, Tartous, Baniyas, Jableh, and Qardaha following attempts to destabilize security by remnants of the former Assad regime, sectarian militias, and individuals seeking to incite chaos.

Military and security operations continue in the coastal countryside and mountainous areas to ensure the security and stability of a free Syria.

French Mirage 2000 fighter jets, delivered to Ukraine a month ago, were used for the first time last night to repel a Russian attack, Ukrainian Air Force says.

In addition to the French jets, American F-16s were also deployed.

Syrian Army's drone operators take an active role in the clashes against the remnants of the former Assad regime.

Turkish President Erdogan on Russia-Ukraine war:

Türkiye supports the idea of an immediate ceasefire, cessation of attacks in air and at sea as confidence-building measure between parties.

Turkish President Erdogan:

We believe there is no justification for excluding us from EU's defense products procurement and reconstruction programs.

Turkish President Erdogan on the EU:

We maintain our goal of full membership. We expect the EU to adopt a strategic and visionary approach and to revitalize our membership negotiations.

Turkish Foreign Ministry:

Intensive efforts are underway to establish security and stability in Syria. At this critical juncture, the tension in and around Latakia, as well as the targeting of security forces could undermine the efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity.

Such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to peace in Syria and the region.

We stand against any action that targets the right of Syrians to live in peace and prosperity. Türkiye remains steadfast in its support for the Syrian people and government.