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NATO foreign ministers gathered in Helsingborg, Sweden, as US President Donald Trump announced sending 5,000 additional troops to Poland—a move welcomed by NATO chief Mark Rutte but that also caused confusion among allies over US troop shifts. Germany's foreign minister stressed Berlin's readiness to take on greater leadership within the alliance.
Poland has summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires to demand the release of and apology to Polish nationals detained after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces. Warsaw is also moving to ban National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country, citing his conduct during the incident.
Belarus and Russia have conducted joint military exercises involving nuclear forces, drawing condemnation from Ukraine while officials in Minsk and Moscow insist the drills pose no threat. The exercises included the participation of both presidents via video link and live-fire tests of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a joint declaration on building a multipolar world and a new type of international relations after their summit in Beijing. The two leaders also condemned the US Golden Dome missile defense system, signed a series of agreements, and stressed the strength of their strategic partnership on its 30th anniversary.
Lithuania's president and prime minister were moved to bunkers and Vilnius residents were urged to shelter after a drone alert on Wednesday. The incident, the first of its kind in a NATO capital since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has heightened regional tensions.
Meta has announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence to identify and remove profiles of users under 13 on Instagram and Facebook. The AI will analyze profiles for contextual clues, including birthday posts and physical characteristics like bone structure, a move that follows European Commission findings of underage usage on the platforms.
Vice President JD Vance used a White House briefing to reassure Americans that the conflict with Iran will not become a 'forever war,' while defending other administration policies. He fielded questions for nearly an hour, addressing issues from January 6 compensation to troop deployments in Europe, amid speculation about the 2028 presidential race.
A Romanian F-16 fighter jet from NATO's Baltic air policing mission shot down a drone over Estonia, suspected to be a Ukrainian drone diverted by Russian electronic jamming. Ukraine apologized, blaming Moscow, while Baltic states investigate a series of similar incursions.
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, said the planned US troop withdrawal from Germany will take several years and be synchronized with allies. The US has announced pulling 5,000 troops from Germany, with reports of additional reductions and a cancelled deployment to Poland.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Moscow sees no conditions for strategic stability talks with the US or broader security dialogue with the West, citing Washington's approach, NATO actions, and France's nuclear umbrella plans. The remarks underscore continued deadlock amid heightened nuclear signaling in Europe.
A humanitarian land convoy from Libya to Gaza, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, has stalled in Sirte after negotiations with Libyan authorities broke down and ten activists were detained. Reports indicate the convoy was later dissolved, with organizers citing bureaucratic obstruction and security concerns.
The cruise ship MV Hondius, linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, arrived at the Port of Rotterdam on Monday. The remaining 25 crew members and two medical personnel disembarked for quarantine, while the ship is set to undergo decontamination. Authorities and the WHO assess public risk as low.
The cruise ship MV Hondius, hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, is set to dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on May 18, 2026, with 27 crew and medical staff still on board. The WHO maintains a low global risk assessment, while cases and deaths have been reported across multiple countries. Quarantine and monitoring measures are in place for those who disembarked.
Poland is negotiating with the United States to increase the American military contingent in the country, according to Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski. The move comes as the US continues rotating troops from the 1st Armored Division into Poland, with Washington also planning to pull a cavalry regiment from Germany, potentially boosting the roughly 10,000 US personnel already stationed there.
The European Commission has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on deporting Afghan nationals who have been refused asylum or convicted of crimes. The move, supported by 20 EU countries, underscores a shift towards closer cooperation despite human rights concerns and the EU's continued non-recognition of the Taliban. Rights groups warn that conditions in Afghanistan remain unsafe for returnees.
Russian officials have reiterated claims that the United States and Ukraine are conducting a military-biological program near Russia's borders. The statements follow an investigation announced by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard into overseas laboratories funded by US taxpayers, with more than 40 reportedly located in Ukraine.
Delta Goodrem dazzled at the Eurovision 2026 grand final in Vienna, finishing fourth for Australia. Bulgaria's Dara claimed the title with 'Bangaranga,' marking the nation's first Eurovision win. Goodrem's performance earned widespread praise, though Australia's wait for a first victory continues.
For the second consecutive day, Russia has launched large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with Kyiv bearing the brunt, leaving at least eight dead and dozens injured. As Ukrainian officials report heavy damage and civilian casualties, EU foreign ministers meet to discuss support for Ukraine amid skepticism over Russian intentions.
Russian military expert Alexander Stepanov claims Ukraine's participation in the Aurora 26 exercise in Sweden grants it legal status as a NATO proxy, allowing the West direct involvement in conflict with Russia. The drills, held from April 27 to May 13, involved 18,000 troops from Sweden, NATO allies, and Ukraine. Separately, NATO's Northern Strike 26 exercise in Finland near the Russian border is seen as preparation for a potential Karelian Front.
The Eurovision Song Contest began in Vienna under the shadow of boycotts and protests over Israel's participation, with five countries withdrawing. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are refusing to air the event, while organizers express hope for the absent nations' return. The first semi-final saw Finland and Israel advance amid ongoing controversy.