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A new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute finds that all nine nuclear-armed states are modernizing and expanding their arsenals, reversing decades of disarmament efforts. With nearly 12,200 warheads worldwide and growing geopolitical tensions, experts warn of rising nuclear dangers and a likely end to stockpile reductions.
Russia's envoy to the OSCE, Dmitry Polyansky, said Moscow is not considering withdrawal from the organization, calling it one of the few platforms where its voice is heard. He also claimed some European countries want dialogue with Russia but are constrained by EU and NATO solidarity. The remarks highlight Russia's view of the OSCE as a rare channel for communication amid strained relations.
Germany has failed for the first time to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a defeat seen as a major foreign policy setback. The loss has prompted Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to hint at reconsidering Germany's financial contributions to the UN, citing underrepresentation.
A Ukrainian drone attack on the locomotive of the Moscow-Simferopol passenger train in Crimea killed the assistant driver and wounded the driver. Russian officials condemned the strike as a war crime and said it complicates peace efforts, while train services were suspended and passengers evacuated.
The leaders of the UK, France and Germany have endorsed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for direct ceasefire talks with Russia, following a meeting in London. The move comes amid continued drone attacks and Russian strikes, with Moscow dismissing the proposal for now.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said Russia demonstrated flexibility at the 2025 Anchorage summit while holding firm on its core goals in Ukraine. She criticized European leaders for 'imitating' dialogue and urged them to draft a concrete peace plan before naming a negotiator.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe is ready for negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to TASS. Moscow has reportedly named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as preferred negotiator, while ex-top diplomat Sigmar Gabriel urged Europe to step up and propose Merkel or Stubb as mediators.
EU and Western Balkan leaders gathered in Montenegro for a summit focused on accelerating EU enlargement, with a new Franco-German initiative offering incentives for faster reforms. Host Montenegro is seen as the frontrunner among six candidate countries, while geopolitical tensions with Russia and China loom large.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for face-to-face negotiations, stating he saw 'no point' in such a meeting. Zelenskyy had proposed direct talks in a third country to end the war, but Putin insisted Russia will achieve its military goals and demanded Ukraine's capitulation on key territorial issues.
At a summit in Montenegro, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledged to accelerate the integration of six Western Balkan countries into the bloc, proposing 'gradual integration' and discussing new safeguards for future members. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated that Ukraine's bid to join the European Union by 2027 is unrealistic, citing Croatia's own lengthy integration experience. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has also dismissed the timeline, noting that EU accession talks often take over a decade. The statements come as Ukraine pushes for rapid integration amid ongoing conflict.
A naval drone exploded in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, causing no casualties. The incident has heightened concerns about spillover from the Russia-Ukraine war, with officials from Romania, the EU, and NATO weighing in. The origin of the drone remains disputed, with Ukraine and Russia trading accusations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Izvestia, accused the West of pursuing the suppression and dismemberment of Russia, citing historical US strategy. He also described US-Russia dialogue on Ukraine as a 'vicious circle' while noting positive intentions from US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act on Thursday, providing over $1 billion in assistance and up to $8 billion in loans to Ukraine while imposing new sanctions on Russia. The 226-195 vote marks a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's approach, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats. The bill's future remains uncertain in the Senate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, proposing a full ceasefire during talks. The Kremlin acknowledged receipt, while Putin expressed conditional willingness to negotiate, and US President Donald Trump endorsed the idea of a meeting.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Moscow will keep highlighting the 'harmfulness' of Japan's remilitarization, accusing Tokyo of anti-Russian and anti-Chinese policies under US pressure. She also condemned US efforts to fuel an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region.
A Ukrainian strike on Crimea killed at least three people and wounded seven, while Kyiv launched drone attacks on energy and military targets in St. Petersburg during Russia's economic forum. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a 'real' escalation risk as Ukraine showcases long-range strike capabilities.
Russia and the Taliban have signed a military-technical cooperation agreement, marking a notable step in their growing relationship. While Moscow emphasizes practical security interests, analysts caution that the deal lacks the depth of a true strategic partnership and could draw Afghanistan further into regional rivalries.
A report by Euractiv indicates that EU member states are divided over France's proposal to deploy nuclear-capable aircraft to partner countries, with nine European nations expressing interest. However, the initiative's benefits beyond the existing US nuclear umbrella remain unclear, and it has drawn skepticism from some southern and Baltic states.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told a CSTO meeting in Moscow that the likelihood of a military conflict involving Russia and Belarus is extremely high, citing NATO's militarization and record defense spending. He also said Moscow and Minsk are coordinating military cooperation against what they call hostile alliance activity near their border.