Russia deepened its alliances with communist Cuba and socialist Venezuela this week, formalizing military and strategic agreements that strengthen Moscow’s foothold in the Western Hemisphere and directly challenge U.S. influence.
At least five civilians were killed and several others injured after Russia unleashed a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, striking civilian infrastructure across nine regions. Ukrainian officials said the barrage included more than 50 ballistic missiles and roughly 500 drones — one of the largest single assaults in recent weeks.
Russia launched a massive overnight air assault on Ukraine early Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring 70 others, with Kyiv suffering its worst bombardment in over a month. Among the dead was a 12-year-old girl, according to city officials.
President Donald Trump used his Thursday White House meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to push Turkey to halt purchases of Russian oil, warning that continued energy imports undermine global efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s position on Russian energy during a Tuesday interview with CNN International, acknowledging that continued reliance on Russian fossil fuels indirectly finances the war in Ukraine. Van Weel emphasized the need for both the United States and Europe to accelerate their transition away from Russian oil and gas.
