INTERESTING: Russia's MoD confirms interception of long-range ballistic missile; Ukrainian FP-9 test suspected.

Russia's Ministry of Defense has confirmed the interception of a long-range operational-tactical missile.

The statement did not specify where the intercept took place, but photos emerged the previous day showing S-300/400 air-defense engagements over Moscow region at altitudes uncharacteristic for drones or cruise missiles, and a large crater from a downed object.

If confirmed, it would be further evidence of a test use of a Ukrainian ballistic missile — potentially the FP-9, currently under development.

Zelensky:

Russia may not see peace as its priority today.

We will make them.

Zelensky:

Right now, Russia can do only one thing: kill.

Russia no longer has a strong economy.

Russia can no longer save face.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev:

We lifted all the restrictions on transit of goods through its territory to Armenia.

That restriction was imposed because of occupation of our internationally recognized territories by Armenia.

We also started to supply Armenia with critical fuel, particularly gasoline, diesel. In today's geopolitical situation, it has even bigger importance than ever before.

So, we are demonstrating that for us, peace is something we can already touch. We can feel it. And we are learning to live in peace.

EU’s von der Leyen:

In recent years, Azerbaijan has proven to be a reliable, trusted energy partner to the European Union.

We have not forgotten that at a time when Russia weaponized energy and turned off the gas for Europe, Azerbaijan stepped up.

Zelensky on Poland:

As for Poland and the Polish government—you mentioned them—we are neighbors.

Of course, we have certain difficulties in our shared history.

But you know, most countries have difficult moments in their history. Today, however, we live in the present.

Today we are facing aggression against us, and together we are defending the European Union. We must think about the future security of our people.

I believe there is always a solution to every issue if we are prepared to be strong neighbors and if we truly want to find those solutions. Ukraine is ready.

Ukraine is a strong partner and a good friend to its neighbors. I hope our neighbors will continue to support us.

Rutte: European Rearmament Secures Nearly 200,000 US Defense Jobs

European military orders have created a $300 billion backlog in the U.S., sustaining nearly 200,000 American defense jobs, according to the NATO chief.

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We Have the Gayest Parliament in the World: Keir Starmer

Outgoing PM Starmer declared the UK legislature the "gayest parliament" in the world during a Downing Street reception in an attempt to defend his administration's record on LGBTQ+ rights.

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Trump asks AI President Theodore Roosevelt:

Do you consider the Panama Canal your greatest achievement?

Despite Lausanne, Greece Moves to Overhaul Military Bases on Aegean Islands

Extensive fortifications are consolidating small outposts into heavily shielded complexes with:

▪️Troop shelters
▪️Buried command centers
▪️Underground ammunition depots

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Berlin Seeks US Arms Production in Germany to Woo Trump

Germany is actively pressing the US to permit the manufacturing of American weapons on German soil, aiming to keep Donald Trump engaged in European security while addressing military shortfalls.

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Senior Trump administration officials are sharply criticizing Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado over her efforts to return to Venezuela following last week's devastating earthquake, calling the moves a distraction from U.S.-backed relief efforts.

"It's political opportunism and it's grotesque," one senior administration official said.

Another added: "She wants a photo op of her passing out our aid. This is about her interests."

Officials said Machado has repeatedly lobbied Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior U.S. officials to facilitate her return and sought a role in administering aid, but the administration rejected the request.

Machado's attempts to reach Venezuela from Curaçao and later Panama were both unsuccessful, creating what officials described as unnecessary diplomatic complications.

Source: Axios

'Bridges Burned': Dassault-Airbus Ties Break Down Over Troubled Eurodrone Program

Dassault Aviation CEO revealed a severe breakdown in relations with Airbus, after Airbus ordered Dassault out of the delayed European MALE drone project.

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Iran's Ghalibaf:

My mission on my upcoming visit to China is to upgrade Tehran–Beijing ties to a "strategic partnership".

Trump on Doug Burgum:

I thought he was very impressive. I thought his wife Kathryn was even more impressive, to be honest with you.

WATCH: Ukraine tests Guardian-1 interceptors launched from a catamaran unmanned surface vessel (USV) configured as a UAV mothership.

Trump:

Fake news have been pretty nice to me lately.

When you do as well as we are doing, they have to be nice, I guess.

Trump:

Democrats gave the Panama Canal away to Panama for $1.

Trump:

When we gave the Panama Canal to Panama, first thing they did, they raised the prices for ships by four times, and they didn't lose one ship.

They then raised them again, and they didn't lose ships.

They made tremendous amounts of money. How stupid was that?

Trump:

China is trying to take over the Panama Canal.

We are not gonna let that happen.

Trump:

The Panama Canal was the most expensive thing we ever built, and it was also the most profitable thing we ever built. That's a nice combination.

A little bit like Venezuela. We're actually doing equally as well with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Maybe you've heard of it?