US strategy shift, Ukraine peace talks, Russia’s manpower, Chornobyl nuclear risk...

Politico Europe details how the newly released US National Security Strategy under President Trump marks a decisive break from traditional transatlantic alignment, explicitly endorsing far-right “patriotic” parties in Europe and warning that unchecked immigration could lead to “civilizational erasure.” The document’s racially charged rhetoric and open support for regime change alarm European centrists, who fear increased US intervention in their domestic politics. The Guardian adds that EU officials, while diplomatically downplaying tensions, are quietly preparing defense mechanisms such as a “democracy shield” to counter possible US and other foreign interference. World Street Journal reports that the strategy document for the first time casts Europe—not Russia—as a key security challenge, underscoring the seriousness of the policy shift. The Guardian World Street Journal (International) Politico Europe

Politico Europe provides an in-depth analysis of Russia’s evolving recruitment practices, revealing a quasi-commercial system offering life-changing bonuses and benefits to attract volunteers amid staggering battlefield losses. The Kremlin’s ability to sustain manpower despite heavy casualties is a pivotal factor in its ongoing military campaign, with Western intelligence now alarmed by the scale and resilience of Russia’s mobilization. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s army is stretched thin, facing desertions and manpower shortages, which has allowed Russia to make incremental territorial gains. German officials warn this buildup may signal preparations for broader military action beyond Ukraine. Politico Europe

BBC News and The Guardian report that US and Ukrainian negotiators have concluded two days of discussions in Florida, emphasizing that any real progress toward peace depends on Russia’s willingness to engage seriously. While both sides have agreed on the framework for security arrangements and deterrence, Russia’s recent rejection of a US peace plan and President Putin’s threats underscore the fragility of the process. French President Emmanuel Macron insists on continued unity between the US and Europe, despite private doubts within the EU about Washington’s reliability as an ally. BBC News The Guardian

The Guardian covers NATO’s largest-ever cyber defense exercise in Estonia, designed to test the alliance’s ability to withstand coordinated digital assaults on civilian and military infrastructure. While Russia and China were not directly named, their shadow loomed over the drills, highlighting growing concerns about the vulnerability of Western societies to hybrid warfare tactics. The exercise reflects the increasing interdependence between cybersecurity and broader geopolitical stability. The Guardian

Despite a peace agreement signed in Washington, The Guardian reports renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Hundreds of civilians have fled into Rwanda as M23 rebels clash with Congolese and Burundian forces, underscoring the persistent instability in the region and the limitations of diplomatic agreements in curbing violence fueled by deep-rooted local and regional rivalries. The Guardian

Washington Post highlights how the Hong Kong government, following Beijing’s model, is intensifying its crackdown on dissent in the wake of a deadly fire and ahead of key elections. New measures target opposition groups and civil society, raising concerns about the city’s shrinking democratic space. Washington Post (World)

World Street Journal analyzes how China’s rapid growth in manufactured exports is coming at the expense of other economies, fueling trade tensions. The country’s “beggar thy neighbor” strategy raises concerns in both developed and developing economies about the sustainability of global supply chains and fair competition. World Street Journal (International)

Al Jazeera reports that while investments have stabilized Egypt’s macroeconomic indicators, the benefits have not reached the rural poor. Rising inequality poses a challenge for policymakers seeking to ensure that economic growth translates into broad-based social development. Al Jazeera (english)

The Guardian and Al Jazeera reveal that a Russian drone strike in February punched a hole in the €1.5 billion protective shield over the Chornobyl nuclear disaster site, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The structure, designed to contain radiation from the 1986 meltdown, now requires major repairs and can no longer fulfill its primary function. The incident has heightened concerns about nuclear safety in a conflict zone and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to military attacks. Al Jazeera (english) The Guardian

Al Jazeera notes that torrential rains have killed more than 1,750 people and left hundreds missing across Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The extreme weather, which continues to hamper recovery efforts, is yet another reminder of the growing toll of climate-related disasters in vulnerable regions. Al Jazeera (english)