Algerian Army shows its Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense systems for the first time.

China’s Tech Giants Turn to Domestic AI Chips Amid U.S. Sanctions

Amid a dwindling Nvidia supply and tighter U.S. export controls, Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu are shifting to homegrown AI chips to meet rising demand.

Trump administration’s clampdown on Nvidia’s H20 chip has added urgency, with current inventories expected to run out by early next year.

Firms are now testing alternatives like Huawei’s Ascend chips, already in use by state-linked sectors such as defense and finance. However, adoption remains discreet due to U.S. warnings of global sanctions.

One tech executive warned that switching from Nvidia could disrupt AI development for up to three months.

Source: FT

President Trump plans to boost arms sales to Taiwan beyond the $18.3 billion approved during his first term—already more than double Biden’s total so far.

Two U.S. officials told Reuters the next four years will “easily surpass” that figure to counter China’s military pressure on the island.

Taiwan’s government seeks to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP, but opposition-led budget cuts threaten that goal. U.S. officials have urged those parties not to obstruct what they call a matter of national survival.

Source: Reuters

Russian soldiers who reportedly shot down Ukrainian F-16 jet in the military operation zone were awarded 15 million rubles. ($195,000)

At a May 29 ceremony near the border, 12 troops received cash certificates for their role in the strike.

Source: Tass

ISIS has claimed responsibility for its first direct operation targeting the Syrian army since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

The group reported that it carried out two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks near Talul al-Safa, resulting in at least seven Syrian soldiers being killed or wounded.

Troops of Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai killed at least 60 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an operation in the Bita area of Borno State.

Source: Zagazola

11-year-old Yaqeen Hammad, Gaza’s youngest influencer known for sharing survival tips and raising awareness, was killed by Israel.

North Korea Supplied Russia with 9 Million Shells, 100 Missiles

Between September 2023 and 2024, North Korea transferred approximately 9 million artillery shells and over 100 ballistic missiles to Russia, according to a UN-backed report by the Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT).

These munitions—ranging from 82 mm to 170 mm calibers—were delivered via at least 49 sea shipments and then moved by rail to Russian depots for use in Ukraine.

Some of the ballistic missiles were launched at Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, targeting civilian infrastructure. Missile debris recovered confirmed North Korean origin, including recent models like Hwasong-11A/B, with 2024 markings.

In return, Russia provided air defense systems, electronic warfare gear, and at least one Pantsir combat vehicle, while 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.

Moscow also reportedly shared feedback that helped improve Pyongyang’s missile guidance.

Japan Eyes More F-35s as GCAP Delays Loom

Japan is increasingly concerned that its joint next-gen fighter project with the UK and Italy, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), may miss its 2035 target, with potential delays pushing deployment beyond 2040.

With China and Russia frequently testing Japan’s airspace, Tokyo may be forced to buy more U.S. F-35 stealth jets or upgrade older aircraft to maintain readiness.

A purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35s ($100 million each) could also serve as a bargaining chip in upcoming trade talks with President Trump.

Japan already leads all overseas buyers with 147 F-35s on order, and Trump reportedly pitched Boeing’s upcoming F-47 fighter in a recent call with Ishiba.

Source: Reuters

According to Oryx’s tracking of Russian equipment losses, Russia is now estimated to have lost 4,000 tanks in the war in Ukraine.

Al-Ubeid Hospital in Sudan's North Kordofan region was put out of service following a bomb attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

China criticized the U.S. for advancing the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, accusing it of fueling a space arms race.

The Defense Ministry stated such moves violate the Outer Space Treaty, threaten global security, destabilize arms control, and risk "reopening Pandora’s box."

Zelensky’s Chief-of-Staff, Andrii Yermak:

Ukraine is ready to attend the next meeting, but we want to engage in a constructive discussion. This means it is important to receive Russia’s draft.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan in Ukraine:

Either we allow this war to continue or we will achieve a lasting peace within this year.

Russia's Medvedev:

Zelensky wants to ensure his immunity in the future, but history has other examples.