Ukraine Set to Ink Landmark Minerals Agreement with US, Says Top Trump Official
The White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to sign a minerals agreement with the United States soon. This agreement would give the US access to Ukraine's deposits of critical minerals, including aluminum, gallium, and titanium, and is seen as a way for American taxpayers to recoup some of their investment in Ukraine's defense, with US aid exceeding $175bn. Read the full story here
Kyiv Set to Receive Massive EU Military Boost in $20.9 Billion Aid Package
The European Union is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately 20 billion euros ($20.9 billion), according to a source familiar with the matter. The package aims to supply Kyiv with air defense systems, artillery ammunition, long-range missiles, and drones, and could be discussed at an upcoming foreign ministers meeting, although it may be delayed due to opposition from Hungary and the upcoming German elections. Read the full story here
Vast Majority of Ukrainians Reject Peace Negotiations Without a Seat at the Table
A recent poll found that 91% of Ukrainians oppose peace negotiations between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine's participation. The survey, which polled 1,200 adults, also showed that 64% of Ukrainians support direct negotiations with Russia to end the war, with 81% believing that negotiations involving other countries are necessary for a realistic solution, and security guarantees must be provided for a ceasefire. Read the full story here
US May Sever Ukraine’s Starlink Lifeline Amid Mineral Dispute
The US is considering restricting Ukraine's access to Starlink internet services due to mineral concerns. The potential move may impact Ukraine's communication capabilities. The decision, if made, would likely be a result of diplomatic efforts to regulate the use of strategic minerals in the production of Starlink technology. Read the full story here
EU-India Summit to Forge New Partnerships in Trade, Electric Vehicles, and Semiconductor Technology
India's economy is expected to maintain a 6 percent growth rate between 2026 and 2031, according to S&P Global estimates. This growth is similar to China's rates in the early 2000s, which led to record profits for European carmakers. The country is also transitioning from combustion engines to electric vehicles, with the share of combustion engines predicted to decline to 35 percent by 2035. However, the biggest challenge in this transition is charging infrastructure. Read…
Ex-Naval Chief Warns of Perils in Relying on American Military Gear
Canada's new warships will use a U.S.-built command system, sparking concerns about potential risks and loss of autonomy. Retired Vice-Admiral Mark Norman warns that this decision poses a "real and serious risk" to Canada's military capabilities. The Canadian government has committed to spending over $2 billion on the system, despite warnings from defence industry officials about the potential dangers of U.S.-controlled technology. The Department of National Defence confirms that there are no plans to change…
Cosmic Collision: SpaceX Debris Makes Shocking Impact on Polish Soil
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket re-entered the Earth's atmosphere, causing a fireball to be seen in the sky over northern Europe. The rocket's debris crashed into eastern Europe, with pieces confirmed in Poland and suspected in Ukraine, prompting concerns about the risks of space debris and the need for controlled re-entry procedures. Read the full story here
Earthquake Rattles Southwest B.C. Coast with 4.7-Magnitude Tremors
A minor earthquake struck British Columbia's Sunshine Coast on Friday, causing widespread shaking but no major damage. The 4.7-magnitude quake hit near Sechelt, prompting emergency alerts across the Lower Mainland. The earthquake was widely felt from Vancouver Island to Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with some people reporting cracked drywall and burst pipes. Despite this, no injuries or structural issues were reported, and officials said the incident should serve as a reminder to prepare…
President Marcos Enacts Bill to Delay Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Polls
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law postponing the parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to October 13. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is reviewing the law's provisions, including procurement and funding for the elections, which were originally scheduled for May 12. Read the full story here
Trump Era Sparks Escalating Tensions as North Korea Cites Rising US Aggression
North Korea has expressed concerns over increased military activities by the US under the Trump administration, viewing them as provocations. The country believes these actions will lead to further tension in the region, citing a need for heightened vigilance and readiness in response to perceived US aggression. Read the full story here