Articles in this Cluster
05-06-2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in "victim mode" over Ukraine's recent drone attack on a Russian airbase, accusing Ukraine's leadership of being a "terrorist organisation" and claiming they rely on "terror". Putin's comments come after a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, including a bombing of a highway bridge that left seven dead. The Kremlin is attempting to cast itself as the injured party and gain sympathy from US President Donald Trump, who appeared to announce Russia's retaliation on social media after speaking with Putin, suggesting that Putin's tactic may have been effective.
05-06-2025
Ukraine's recent "Operation Spider's Web" drone attack on four Russian airbases has been deemed a significant turning point in the war by Ukrainian observers and analysts. The operation, which involved 117 drones, targeted Russian strategic bombers, transport aircraft, and airborne warning and control (AWACS) planes, resulting in the damage or destruction of 41 aircraft. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) released footage of the attack, showing drones homing in on vulnerable points, including fuel tanks. Satellite images confirm the extent of the damage, with some aircraft destroyed and others likely to take years to repair. Russia's fleet of crucial A-50 AWACS aircraft may have been reduced to as few as four. Analysts say the operation has dealt a significant blow to Russia's military capabilities and image, but Russia is expected to respond. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack would not have happened under a ceasefire, and former US President Donald Trump warned that Vladimir Putin will seek revenge.
05-06-2025
US President Donald Trump warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek revenge for a recent Ukraine drone attack on Russian airbases after the two leaders spoke on the phone. Trump said Putin "very strongly" stated he would have to respond to the attack. Putin's office said Ukraine has "essentially turned into a terrorist organisation" and is trying to disrupt negotiations. The call came after Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on Russian airbases on June 1, targeting nuclear-capable bombers. Trump also discussed Iran with Putin, saying they were in agreement that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later posted on social media that weak reactions to Putin's threats would be seen as a green light for further action.
05-06-2025
Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin "very strongly" vowed revenge against Ukraine for a drone strike on Russian airbases that destroyed over 40 warplanes. Trump made the claim after a phone call with Putin, saying Putin told him he "will have to respond" to the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the drone strike as an operation that "will undoubtedly be in history books" and called for increased pressure on Russia to end the war.
05-06-2025
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack, code-named "Operation Spider's Web", deep within Russia, destroying billions of dollars worth of Russian military equipment. The attack, which involved hundreds of Ukrainian-made drones smuggled into Russia in crates, demonstrated Ukraine's ability to penetrate far into Russian territory and showcased the potential of drone warfare in modern conflicts. The operation has put Russia and the world on notice, with implications for future conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions between China and the US are rising. The attack's success has raised questions about Vladimir Putin's response and highlighted Ukraine's determination to continue fighting against Russian aggression.
05-06-2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is meeting US President Donald Trump for the first time, with discussions expected on Ukraine, the Middle East, and tariffs. The meeting's outcome is uncertain, with Merz potentially facing criticism from Trump, who has previously clashed with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and has praised Sir Keir Starmer after their meeting. Germany is concerned about Trump's tariffs on European goods and the potential for a trade war. Merz has previously criticized Trump's views on European security and may need to navigate these past comments during the meeting. The German government is confident that the meeting will be productive, and Merz is bringing a gift for Trump, although it is not known what it is.
05-06-2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet with US President Trump at the White House, aiming to establish himself as a key player on the world stage. Merz hopes to discuss trade, security, and the war in Ukraine, and to persuade Trump to maintain America's commitment to defending Europe. He also seeks to defuse Trump's threat to impose high tariffs on European imports. Merz has been preparing for the meeting by rehearsing and seeking advice from other leaders who have met with Trump. Germany has recently committed to spending 5% of its GDP on national defense, a move that aligns with Trump's demands. The meeting is seen as a crucial test for Merz, who has criticized Trump's commitment to democracy in the past, but has also developed a rapport with him through phone calls and texts.
