NATO defence spending is set to hit a record $1.6 trillion in 2025, with the U.S. contributing $980 billion and European allies plus Canada $608 billion.

In GDP terms, NATO’s total is projected at 2.76%.

Poland leads with 4.48% of GDP.

First AI-linked murder-suicide: Stein-Erik Soelberg, a tech industry veteran, killed his mother and himself after paranoid delusions fueled by ChatGPT.

The bot reinforced, rather than challenged, his suspicions — even claiming to see hidden symbols on a receipt pointing to his mother and a demon.

Surprise: Germany will not back the EU Commission’s proposed sanctions on Israel over the Gaza war.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said halting research cooperation under Horizon Europe would have “no real impact” on Israel’s military or political decisions.

The EU plan would block Israeli participation in projects funded by the European Innovation Council.

Most major EU states support sanctions, while Germany and Italy hold out.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas admitted, “I’m not very optimistic… even this lenient proposal lacks a majority. It sends the message that we are divided.”

South Sudan: UNMISS reported constructing a new temporary base in the Tambura region.

President Trump canceled plans to visit India for the Quad Summit later this year, citing how his relationship with PM Modi has recently “unraveled.”

Source: NYT

Gaza: 11 killed, including children, in an Israeli airstrike on a bakery and nearby tent in Gaza City’s Nassr neighborhood today.

BREAKING: Trump said Zelensky–Putin meeting “might not happen,” adding he’s weighing U.S. planes in a security guarantee to end the war.

Source: The Daily Caller

Trump on his possible meeting with Zelensky and Putin:

A tri would happen. A bi, I don’t know.

Sometimes people aren’t ready. Like kids fighting in a playground — they swing until they’re ready to stop.

Sometimes they have to fight a little before peace. But this has been going on a long time. A lot of people are dead.

BREAKING: Israeli media claims the target in Israeli strike on Gaza City moments ago was Hamas Al-Qassam spokesman Abu Obaida.

Burkina Faso: JNIM claimed six soldiers were killed in Djibo on Thursday, saying weapons and equipment were also seized.

Sudanese protested outside the Colombian Embassy in London against Colombian mercenaries fighting with UAE-backed RSF in Sudan.

BIG: Former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant:

There will be another round against Iran.

Houthi Supreme Political Council head warned Israel of “dark days” after the killing of the PM and cabinet members.

Libya: Khalifa Haftar’s LNA forces are reportedly moving vehicles towards frontlines in Bawabit al-Hamsin and al-Shuwayrif, saying they are fully prepared to respond to any emergency.

Israeli officials are "optimistic" about Abu Obeida's death.

Source: Israeli Channel 12

IDF announces the death of yet another soldier killed in Gaza: Colonel (Res.) Ariel Lubliner, 34.

He is the 900th IDF casualty since October 7.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz:

The Houthis will learn a harsh lesson, and Yemen's fate will be the same as Iran's, and this is just the beginning.

Only four ministers remain alive in the Houthi government after the Israeli attacks.

Trump on the war in Ukraine:

Maybe they have to fight a little longer. You know, just keep fighting. — stupidly, keep fighting.

Trump wants to rename the Department of Defense back to its former title, the Department of War, last used in 1947.

The White House is exploring ways to make the change, which might require Congress. The Pentagon has drafted proposals that could also revive the title “Secretary of War.”

Source: WSJ