Putin accuses European leaders of "using" Ukrainians as "cannon fodder."

Putin on Europe:

I want to say once again: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries. We simply have no basis for this whatsoever.

We are ready for cooperation and for restoring relations with our European neighbors.

Putin calls Ukraine a "dictatorship" where "elections aren’t held."

Putin claims Ukrainian leadership "doesn’t want to conduct peace negotiations."

The U.S. and Denmark are nearing a possible agreement that would expand the U.S. military presence in Greenland.

The deal would fall short of President Donald Trump’s past interest in acquiring the island but could allow Greenlandic territory to be used for the Golden Dome missile defense system and limit Chinese influence on the island.

Source: Reuters

BREAKING: Trump:

I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns.

There will be NO COST to the United States! At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America.

Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.

This is an “Infinite Life” Agreement, there is no end! We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People. We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many.

We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction. This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land.

We will be very protective of it! This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Details of Trump announced US-Denmark-Greenland agreement:

— US gets permanent control over security and "all other needs" in Greenland at no cost.

— No US adversary can ever have a base, military presence, or make sensitive investments in Greenland without written US approval.

— Called an "Infinite Life" agreement with no end date.

— US will immediately begin building a large military presence on the island.

— Trump calls it "a dream come true" and "historic".

Russia is targeting the 2026 U.S. midterm elections with online disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing division and undermining trust in democracy, U.S. intelligence officials said.

The Kremlin has launched digital influence operations to spread false or divisive content on social media, but officials said there was no evidence of attempts to compromise voting systems.

The effort appears less extensive than previous campaigns, with Russia focused more on creating chaos than supporting a specific party.

Source: NYT

BREAKING: Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law.

This means:

— New sanctions on Putin, oligarchs, banks, energy/defense companies, and Russia's shadow oil tanker fleet.

— Authority for up to 100% tariffs on goods from top Russian oil/gas buyers (read: China and India).

— Up to 500% tariffs on Russian imports directly.

— Five-year extension of Iran energy/weapons sanctions.

— President gets waiver power to delay or drop any measure.

The real question isn't the law itself.

It's whether Trump actually uses the tariff tools against China and India or holds them as leverage.

Switzerland has adopted a new national security strategy in response to an increasingly unstable global environment, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine, hybrid threats and critical dependencies.

The strategy includes 46 measures focused on strengthening state and economic resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, improving civilian protection and boosting defense capabilities.

NEW: Türkiye's banking regulator revoked the operating license of Bank Mellat's Istanbul branch, a 100% Iranian state-owned bank that's been in Türkiye since 1982.

BDDK cited threats to financial system stability.

The bank was already largely cut off (no SWIFT, removed from Türkiye's EFT system) after US sanctions, but this formally ends its operations.

At UNGA next week, Trump will hold his first known face-to-face meeting with Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said.

Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. are expected to sign an agreement next week to strengthen security cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic region.

A senior U.S. service member told ABC News that damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East from Iranian attacks could take “decades” to repair.

The official, speaking anonymously, said the destruction was far greater than the public was aware of, with some facilities “irreparably damaged” and rebuilding requiring years of construction rather than a quick repair.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the assessment.

Source: ABC News

Hegseth:

For 250 years, we've needed Americans who stood up and said, "Send me."

Who will fight the Redcoats? Who will go fight the communists? Who will go fight the Islamists? Who will fight?

There's always been Americans who said, "Send me."

JD Vance:

This election is a referendum on common sense versus crazy. Let's send the crazy packing and get them out of Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon is moving ahead with mandatory testosterone screening for male U.S. service members aged 30 and older after temporarily pausing the policy earlier this month.

Under new guidelines, testing will be included in periodic health assessments and annual evaluations, with standardized treatment pathways for testosterone deficiencies. Younger troops can request testing voluntarily.

María Corina Machado is preparing to return to Venezuela from exile in Panama and push for new presidential elections, despite resistance from some Trump officials who fear her return could destabilize the U.S.-backed interim government.

“I cannot lead the process from abroad,” Machado said. “The moment to return has arrived.”

She plans to travel across Venezuela, rebuild her movement and prepare for elections in which she intends to run.

Her return date remains uncertain, but Machado says she is prepared to enter Venezuela “by land, sea or air.”

Source: WSJ