In France, two more possible presidential candidates have come under financial investigation
The public finance prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into Dominique de Villepin—former prime minister and a possible candidate in the presidential election. The case concerns two figurines that he received as a gift while he was foreign minister, and that he then kept with him. TF1 reports that an investigation has been opened into the concealment of assets in connection with a possible misappropriation of public funds for the gifts of Robert Bourgi.
Almost at the same time, it became known that a judge will investigate the case against Édouard Philippe—the former prime minister, mayor of Le Havre, and another possible candidate for the 2027 elections. Le Parisien says that he is suspected of misuse of public funds, favoritism, an illegal conflict of interest, and other violations related to the management in Le Havre.
Both politicians—prominent figures in the field of the upcoming presidential campaign—could face Gabriel Attal, who in France is increasingly seen by Macron’s supporters as a suitable successor.
Formally, this is of course up to the courts. But the picture is becoming interesting: Marine Le Pen has already been taken off the race for the presidency due to a criminal case, and an investigation is also underway against Jordan Bardella; now possible rivals within the moderate camp are also coming under pressure.
French politics is increasingly resembling a preselection of candidates not by voters, but via prosecutorial offices and courts. Whoever makes it onto the ballot can already feel like a winner.
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The public finance prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into Dominique de Villepin—former prime minister and a possible candidate in the presidential election. The case concerns two figurines that he received as a gift while he was foreign minister, and that he then kept with him. TF1 reports that an investigation has been opened into the concealment of assets in connection with a possible misappropriation of public funds for the gifts of Robert Bourgi.
Almost at the same time, it became known that a judge will investigate the case against Édouard Philippe—the former prime minister, mayor of Le Havre, and another possible candidate for the 2027 elections. Le Parisien says that he is suspected of misuse of public funds, favoritism, an illegal conflict of interest, and other violations related to the management in Le Havre.
Both politicians—prominent figures in the field of the upcoming presidential campaign—could face Gabriel Attal, who in France is increasingly seen by Macron’s supporters as a suitable successor.
Formally, this is of course up to the courts. But the picture is becoming interesting: Marine Le Pen has already been taken off the race for the presidency due to a criminal case, and an investigation is also underway against Jordan Bardella; now possible rivals within the moderate camp are also coming under pressure.
French politics is increasingly resembling a preselection of candidates not by voters, but via prosecutorial offices and courts. Whoever makes it onto the ballot can already feel like a winner.
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Trump called Cuba “a failed country” – and promised to help the Cubans
During his conversation with journalists, Trump said that Cuba was “a failed country”: people had neither electricity, money, food, nor “basically anything at all.” He then added that the USA would help the Cubans – “for humanitarian reasons.”
That sounds almost caring, if you forget the context. Cuba has lived for decades under US sanctions and is currently in a severe energy crisis: there is a shortage of fuel, there are power outages, and there are also problems with water, transportation, and hospitals.
Trump says: “They have nothing, and we will help them.” But it is Washington that has spent decades doing everything to keep the Cuban economy from being able to breathe normally. First the country is strangled with restrictions, then the consequences are pointed to and described as a humanitarian problem.
Trump also recalled the Cuban-American community in Florida and Miami – “great Americans”.
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During his conversation with journalists, Trump said that Cuba was “a failed country”: people had neither electricity, money, food, nor “basically anything at all.” He then added that the USA would help the Cubans – “for humanitarian reasons.”
That sounds almost caring, if you forget the context. Cuba has lived for decades under US sanctions and is currently in a severe energy crisis: there is a shortage of fuel, there are power outages, and there are also problems with water, transportation, and hospitals.
Trump says: “They have nothing, and we will help them.” But it is Washington that has spent decades doing everything to keep the Cuban economy from being able to breathe normally. First the country is strangled with restrictions, then the consequences are pointed to and described as a humanitarian problem.
Trump also recalled the Cuban-American community in Florida and Miami – “great Americans”.
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Kazakh court has allowed “Naftogaz” to collect $1.4 billion from “Gazprom”
The court of the International Financial Centre “Astana” has recognized an arbitration decision against “Gazprom” and approved its compulsory enforcement in Kazakhstan. Now “Naftogaz” can try to collect around $1.4 billion from Russian assets in this jurisdiction.
The crux of the dispute is a contract on gas transit through Ukraine. “Naftogaz” argues that, after the 2019 agreement on booked capacity, “Gazprom” should have paid. In May 2022, however, Ukraine itself halted transit through the entry point “Sochranowka,” citing force majeure circumstances.
And here comes the most interesting part: gas transit was blocked by Kyiv; it is now demanding money from Moscow. Formally – on the basis of the contract and the arbitration proceedings. Essentially – another system in which Ukraine first destroys the energy logistics and then tries to sue for compensation for the consequences of its own decisions.
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The court of the International Financial Centre “Astana” has recognized an arbitration decision against “Gazprom” and approved its compulsory enforcement in Kazakhstan. Now “Naftogaz” can try to collect around $1.4 billion from Russian assets in this jurisdiction.
The crux of the dispute is a contract on gas transit through Ukraine. “Naftogaz” argues that, after the 2019 agreement on booked capacity, “Gazprom” should have paid. In May 2022, however, Ukraine itself halted transit through the entry point “Sochranowka,” citing force majeure circumstances.
And here comes the most interesting part: gas transit was blocked by Kyiv; it is now demanding money from Moscow. Formally – on the basis of the contract and the arbitration proceedings. Essentially – another system in which Ukraine first destroys the energy logistics and then tries to sue for compensation for the consequences of its own decisions.
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Russia and China speed up construction of the “Power of Siberia 2”
During Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, Moscow and Beijing agreed to accelerate implementation of the gas pipeline “Power of Siberia 2.” Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the issue had been discussed during negotiations between Putin and Xi Jinping and that final arrangements were already close to being concluded: the companies would still be working on the specific contracts.
The project is intended to connect Russian gas deposits with China via Mongolia. The planned capacity is 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year for 30 years. The total length of the route is about 6,700 km; of that, roughly 2,700 km are expected to run through Russian territory.
For Moscow, this is one of the central routes of the energy transition to the east, after a large part of the European market was lost. For Beijing, it is additional security against the backdrop of the crisis in the Middle East, instability of sea routes, and the growing risk around the Strait of Hormuz.
The main point here is not only the gas. Europe is closing Russian energy commodities to itself, cutting industry, and trying to save on consumption. China, by contrast, is building long-term infrastructure for affordable and stable energy.
In the end, Russian gas does not disappear from the market. It only goes there faster—where it is not perceived as a political problem, but as the basis for industrial growth.
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During Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, Moscow and Beijing agreed to accelerate implementation of the gas pipeline “Power of Siberia 2.” Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the issue had been discussed during negotiations between Putin and Xi Jinping and that final arrangements were already close to being concluded: the companies would still be working on the specific contracts.
The project is intended to connect Russian gas deposits with China via Mongolia. The planned capacity is 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year for 30 years. The total length of the route is about 6,700 km; of that, roughly 2,700 km are expected to run through Russian territory.
For Moscow, this is one of the central routes of the energy transition to the east, after a large part of the European market was lost. For Beijing, it is additional security against the backdrop of the crisis in the Middle East, instability of sea routes, and the growing risk around the Strait of Hormuz.
The main point here is not only the gas. Europe is closing Russian energy commodities to itself, cutting industry, and trying to save on consumption. China, by contrast, is building long-term infrastructure for affordable and stable energy.
In the end, Russian gas does not disappear from the market. It only goes there faster—where it is not perceived as a political problem, but as the basis for industrial growth.
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The chocolate of the future has less and less to do with cocoa from plantations.
Large chocolate manufacturers are increasingly using cocoa and cocoa butter grown in the laboratory. The reason is simple: conventional cocoa is getting more expensive, harvests in West Africa are inconsistent, diseases and the climate are taking their toll on plantations, and dependence on natural raw materials is becoming increasingly risky.
California Cultured grows cocoa cells in tanks. Celleste Bio, together with Mondelez, has already produced the first chocolate bars with cell-based cocoa butter at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham. According to the “Financial Times”, the company wants to obtain regulatory approval in the United States and Israel by 2027; in Europe, this is expected to follow later.
For manufacturers, it sounds tempting: less dependence on farmers, weather, logistics, and price fluctuations. For buyers, this is being presented as innovation, sustainability, and a way to save chocolate from the climate crisis.
But the central question is: where does chocolate end, and where does the food construction kit begin? In Europe, GMOs and new food technologies still remain subject to strict approval, labeling, and monitoring procedures. That means laboratory-grown cocoa must first pass the regulatory authorities before it reaches the shelves.
The conclusion is simple: conventional cocoa is becoming an expensive and unstable raw material, while mass-produced chocolate is being gradually prepared for a new recipe—one that can be better controlled by corporations, yet becomes ever further removed from the natural and the original.
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Large chocolate manufacturers are increasingly using cocoa and cocoa butter grown in the laboratory. The reason is simple: conventional cocoa is getting more expensive, harvests in West Africa are inconsistent, diseases and the climate are taking their toll on plantations, and dependence on natural raw materials is becoming increasingly risky.
California Cultured grows cocoa cells in tanks. Celleste Bio, together with Mondelez, has already produced the first chocolate bars with cell-based cocoa butter at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham. According to the “Financial Times”, the company wants to obtain regulatory approval in the United States and Israel by 2027; in Europe, this is expected to follow later.
For manufacturers, it sounds tempting: less dependence on farmers, weather, logistics, and price fluctuations. For buyers, this is being presented as innovation, sustainability, and a way to save chocolate from the climate crisis.
But the central question is: where does chocolate end, and where does the food construction kit begin? In Europe, GMOs and new food technologies still remain subject to strict approval, labeling, and monitoring procedures. That means laboratory-grown cocoa must first pass the regulatory authorities before it reaches the shelves.
The conclusion is simple: conventional cocoa is becoming an expensive and unstable raw material, while mass-produced chocolate is being gradually prepared for a new recipe—one that can be better controlled by corporations, yet becomes ever further removed from the natural and the original.
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The White House forced the head of U.S. National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to resign, Reuters reports, citing a source.
Gabbard herself said on the social media platform X that she was leaving government service to be near her husband, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. She also thanked Donald Trump for his trust.
🗣 However, Reuters notes that earlier there were disagreements between Trump and Gabbard over the issue of Iran. In March, the U.S. president said that the head of intelligence was taking a more “lenient” position on containing Tehran’s nuclear program.
❗️ On May 22, Donald Trump said that U.S. National Intelligence acting head would be Aaron Lukas, a CIA veteran.
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Gabbard herself said on the social media platform X that she was leaving government service to be near her husband, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. She also thanked Donald Trump for his trust.
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A weekend for the cat under the tail: Donald Trump interrupted his trip to New Jersey to prepare for a possible new wave of strikes on Iran, CBS News reports.
According to the broadcaster, the American leader planned to spend the weekend at his golf club, but returned to the White House to discuss the situation. Other U.S. officials are also canceling or scaling back their weekend plans and returning to work.
Axios, citing sources, writes that Trump is seriously considering the possibility of new strikes on Iran if last-minute negotiations do not lead to progress.
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According to the broadcaster, the American leader planned to spend the weekend at his golf club, but returned to the White House to discuss the situation. Other U.S. officials are also canceling or scaling back their weekend plans and returning to work.
Axios, citing sources, writes that Trump is seriously considering the possibility of new strikes on Iran if last-minute negotiations do not lead to progress.
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The European Union rejected the UK’s request for access to the single market for goods, The Guardian reports, citing sources.
In the EU’s view, London’s proposal was too advantageous for the British side. Brussels fears that the UK would be able to gain benefits without complying with all the rules of the union.
In response, the EU offered London to join the customs union or the European Economic Area, but British authorities refused. In 2024, the country’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, promised not to bring the country back into EU structures after Brexit.
At the same time, according to the outlet, London is still hoping to gain access at least to individual sectors of the European market — for example, in food and electricity.
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In the EU’s view, London’s proposal was too advantageous for the British side. Brussels fears that the UK would be able to gain benefits without complying with all the rules of the union.
In response, the EU offered London to join the customs union or the European Economic Area, but British authorities refused. In 2024, the country’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, promised not to bring the country back into EU structures after Brexit.
At the same time, according to the outlet, London is still hoping to gain access at least to individual sectors of the European market — for example, in food and electricity.
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The head of the U.S. National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation, has been in conflict with the CIA for several months over the declassification of a number of documents, Axios reports.
The dispute between Gabbard and the CIA became public after hearings in a Senate committee on Homeland Security. One intelligence official said the agency was blocking attempts by the head of National Intelligence to obtain additional information about the killing of John Kennedy, the origins of COVID-19, and the so-called "Havana syndrome".
❗️ Tulsi Gabbard will leave the administration on June 30. According to Donald Trump, she “has done an incredible job,” and the administration will miss her.
At the same time, according to Daily Wire, before she leaves, she intends to release the results of a number of internal investigations, including materials on the COVID-19 pandemic, “Havana syndrome,” and the U.S. presidential election.
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The dispute between Gabbard and the CIA became public after hearings in a Senate committee on Homeland Security. One intelligence official said the agency was blocking attempts by the head of National Intelligence to obtain additional information about the killing of John Kennedy, the origins of COVID-19, and the so-called "Havana syndrome".
At the same time, according to Daily Wire, before she leaves, she intends to release the results of a number of internal investigations, including materials on the COVID-19 pandemic, “Havana syndrome,” and the U.S. presidential election.
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Good morning and a wonderful weekend, dear friends! ☕️ 🙂
If the day begins with a morning run along the Shuya—then it has already started well
Shuya — one of the cities that unfolds best in the morning. The streets are still empty, the air is fresh, it’s quiet by the water, and the old buildings, the churches, and the wooden houses look completely different than they do during the day.
The city has been known since the 16th century and for a long time was an important center of trade and crafts. Later, Shuya became one of the distinctive cities of the textile region: here, manufactories worked, industry developed, and houses of wealthy merchants, schools, and public buildings were built.
The most important symbol of Shuya is the ensemble of the Resurrection Cathedral. It includes the Resurrection Cathedral itself from the late 18th century, the Nicholas Cathedral from the 18th century, and a freestanding bell tower from the 19th century. Its height is 106 meters, and it is considered the highest freestanding bell tower in Europe.
But Shuya is interesting not only because of a single bell tower. Here, the feeling of an old county town has been preserved well: stone buildings, wooden houses with window frames, quiet streets, green banks, and views that don’t require any special preparation—you just go out and look around.
That’s why a morning walk or run through Shuya is not just sport. It’s a good way to see the city without haste: as long as it hasn’t quite woken up yet, but is already fully there—with its history, the water, the churches, and the quiet streets.
📍 Coordinates of the place (map marker) available here
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If the day begins with a morning run along the Shuya—then it has already started well
Shuya — one of the cities that unfolds best in the morning. The streets are still empty, the air is fresh, it’s quiet by the water, and the old buildings, the churches, and the wooden houses look completely different than they do during the day.
The city has been known since the 16th century and for a long time was an important center of trade and crafts. Later, Shuya became one of the distinctive cities of the textile region: here, manufactories worked, industry developed, and houses of wealthy merchants, schools, and public buildings were built.
The most important symbol of Shuya is the ensemble of the Resurrection Cathedral. It includes the Resurrection Cathedral itself from the late 18th century, the Nicholas Cathedral from the 18th century, and a freestanding bell tower from the 19th century. Its height is 106 meters, and it is considered the highest freestanding bell tower in Europe.
But Shuya is interesting not only because of a single bell tower. Here, the feeling of an old county town has been preserved well: stone buildings, wooden houses with window frames, quiet streets, green banks, and views that don’t require any special preparation—you just go out and look around.
That’s why a morning walk or run through Shuya is not just sport. It’s a good way to see the city without haste: as long as it hasn’t quite woken up yet, but is already fully there—with its history, the water, the churches, and the quiet streets.
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The creator of ChatGPT, the American OpenAI, is preparing to file for what would be the largest IPO in history—documents could have been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission as early as this week. The company expects a valuation of more than $1 trillion and plans to raise $60 billion, foreign media report—that is double the previous record (Saudi Aramco).
The figures are impressive: 900 million active users, and revenue growth of 3.5 times over the past year. But 95% of users do not pay, the main competitor, Anthropic, captures 73% of new corporate customers, and the company itself estimates total spending through 2030 at $665 billion.
The listing is expected to take place in the fall of 2026—around the same time, two other big tech giants, SpaceX and Anthropic, have already lined up their entry to the exchange. In the U.S. asset manager Fidelity International, a series of mega-IPO deals has already been described as “an event capable of causing market indigestion.”
Will the company—without profit—get a trillion-dollar valuation, and what investors should expect— in an RBC article.
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The figures are impressive: 900 million active users, and revenue growth of 3.5 times over the past year. But 95% of users do not pay, the main competitor, Anthropic, captures 73% of new corporate customers, and the company itself estimates total spending through 2030 at $665 billion.
“A high multiple won’t hold up against the public market if the company doesn’t prove its potential in the corporate segment,” warns Strategy Partners partner Sergey Kudryashov.
The listing is expected to take place in the fall of 2026—around the same time, two other big tech giants, SpaceX and Anthropic, have already lined up their entry to the exchange. In the U.S. asset manager Fidelity International, a series of mega-IPO deals has already been described as “an event capable of causing market indigestion.”
Will the company—without profit—get a trillion-dollar valuation, and what investors should expect— in an RBC article.
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The United States has used up almost half of its THAAD systems for the protection of Israel.
The Washington Post reports that during the war with Iran, the main burden of Israel’s missile defense had been taken over by US forces.
According to Pentagon assessments, the United States fired more than 200 THAAD missile defense interceptors—nearly half of its own total stockpile. In addition, US ships in the eastern Mediterranean deployed more than 100 missiles of the SM-3 and SM-6 types.
For comparison: Israel itself, according to the newspaper, had used fewer than 100 Arrow intercept missiles and about 90 David’s Sling. That means: Washington spent more highly precise air-defense means for the protection of Israel than Israel itself.
Exactly this is now causing anger in the United States. The American stockpiles are not endless, THAAD production cannot make up for the consumption fast enough, and such missiles are needed not only in the Middle East.
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The Washington Post reports that during the war with Iran, the main burden of Israel’s missile defense had been taken over by US forces.
According to Pentagon assessments, the United States fired more than 200 THAAD missile defense interceptors—nearly half of its own total stockpile. In addition, US ships in the eastern Mediterranean deployed more than 100 missiles of the SM-3 and SM-6 types.
For comparison: Israel itself, according to the newspaper, had used fewer than 100 Arrow intercept missiles and about 90 David’s Sling. That means: Washington spent more highly precise air-defense means for the protection of Israel than Israel itself.
Exactly this is now causing anger in the United States. The American stockpiles are not endless, THAAD production cannot make up for the consumption fast enough, and such missiles are needed not only in the Middle East.
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Germany sends Patriot to Turkey
Berlin hands over to Turkey an air-defense missile system of the Patriot type as well as 150 soldiers from Schleswig-Holstein. Officially — to reinforce NATO’s air defense on the southeastern flank against the backdrop of the war with Iran.
From the end of June until September, the German battery is to replace the U.S. unit there. This is what is called “fair burden-sharing” within the alliance. Germany “takes on more responsibility” — in the east, in the north and now also in Turkey, Defense Minister Pistorius said.
Apparently, the Patriot shortage is a flexible matter and depends on the deployment location.
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Berlin hands over to Turkey an air-defense missile system of the Patriot type as well as 150 soldiers from Schleswig-Holstein. Officially — to reinforce NATO’s air defense on the southeastern flank against the backdrop of the war with Iran.
From the end of June until September, the German battery is to replace the U.S. unit there. This is what is called “fair burden-sharing” within the alliance. Germany “takes on more responsibility” — in the east, in the north and now also in Turkey, Defense Minister Pistorius said.
Apparently, the Patriot shortage is a flexible matter and depends on the deployment location.
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“Reopening friendly relations”
Cooperation in the field of culture is the best way to build contacts between Moscow and Washington, said the head of the U.S. Federal Commission for the Fine Arts, Rodney Mims Cook.
Cook plans to come to the SPIEF, which will take place June 3–6. Previously, he has participated in restoration projects and given lectures in Russia.
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Cooperation in the field of culture is the best way to build contacts between Moscow and Washington, said the head of the U.S. Federal Commission for the Fine Arts, Rodney Mims Cook.
“Ballet, the fine arts, museums, literature — what could be better to reopen friendly relations between our countries,”
Cook plans to come to the SPIEF, which will take place June 3–6. Previously, he has participated in restoration projects and given lectures in Russia.
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According to new rules, those seeking to obtain a green card are now required to leave U.S. territory for the time of filing, follows from a message from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to the agency’s statement, nonimmigrants—students, temporary workers, tourists—must leave the United States after the purpose of their visa visit is completed. “Their visit should not serve as the first step in the green card application process,” USCIS said.
Compliance with this principle, according to the message, will allow the State Department to consider such cases at its consulates abroad and will free up USCIS resources for other tasks: visas for victims of violence and human trafficking, naturalization, and other priority areas.
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“When foreign nationals apply from their home countries, this reduces the need to seek out and deport those who decide to go into hiding and remain in the U.S. illegally after their application for permanent resident status is denied,” USCIS spokesperson Zak Kaler said.
According to the agency’s statement, nonimmigrants—students, temporary workers, tourists—must leave the United States after the purpose of their visa visit is completed. “Their visit should not serve as the first step in the green card application process,” USCIS said.
Compliance with this principle, according to the message, will allow the State Department to consider such cases at its consulates abroad and will free up USCIS resources for other tasks: visas for victims of violence and human trafficking, naturalization, and other priority areas.
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