Indian politician Shashi Tharoor pushed back against Donald Trump’s claim that he mediated tensions between India and Pakistan, calling it misleading. Tharoor clarified that while India communicates with other countries during crises, there was no formal mediation—just routine diplomatic talks. He’s now leading a delegation to the U.S. to explain India’s counter-terrorism stance, including Operation Sindoor, launched after a recent terror attack.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about correcting Trump—it’s a reminder of how sensitive India is about outside involvement in its disputes with Pakistan. Tharoor’s response highlights India’s preference for handling conflicts on its own terms, especially after high-profile terror attacks. The upcoming U.S. visit suggests India’s keen to shape the narrative around its counter-terrorism policies abroad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has doubled down on Moscow’s justification for its war in Ukraine, calling the Kyiv government a "junta" and arguing that leaving Russian-speaking Ukrainians under its rule would be a "crime." He framed Russia’s actions as a form of protection for these communities.

Editor’s Note: Lavrov’s remarks reinforce Russia’s long-standing narrative that it’s "defending" Russian speakers in Ukraine—a justification widely rejected by Kyiv and the West as a pretext for invasion. The language used ("junta," "crime") signals no softening in Russia’s stance, even as the war drags on. For readers, it’s another reminder of how deeply entrenched both sides remain, with little hope for near-term diplomacy.

The Kremlin has weighed in on reports of potential changes to Ukraine’s negotiation team, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasizing that even small details matter in high-stakes diplomacy. While not directly confirming the reshuffle, the comments suggest Russia is closely monitoring any shifts that could impact future talks.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic gossip—it’s a signal that both sides are still maneuvering behind the scenes, even if official negotiations seem stalled. The Kremlin’s focus on "nuances" hints that any change in Ukraine’s team could either thaw or freeze the diplomatic landscape. For readers tracking the war, it’s a reminder that the quiet details often shape what happens next.

In a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing tensions, Russia and Ukraine have kicked off what’s being called the largest prisoner swap since the conflict began. On the first day alone, Russia got back 270 soldiers and 120 civilians, though details about Ukraine’s returns are still emerging. The exchange, captured in a video, shows a glimmer of diplomacy in a war that’s mostly been defined by destruction.

Editor’s Note: Even small acts like this matter—prisoner swaps save lives and offer families a sliver of hope. But don’t mistake it for a thaw in relations; these deals often happen alongside fierce fighting. It’s a reminder that humanity isn’t entirely lost in war, even when the bigger picture stays bleak.

Pakistan has decided to keep its airspace closed to Indian airlines for another month, pushing the restriction to June 24, 2025. This mostly affects flights heading west from India, forcing carriers to take longer detours. While other international airlines can fly over Pakistan, Indian-registered planes—including military ones—are still barred.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a minor travel inconvenience—it’s another sign of the strained relations between India and Pakistan. Longer flight paths mean higher fuel costs, delays, and added expenses for airlines, which could trickle down to passengers. It also highlights how political tensions can have very real, everyday consequences, even at 30,000 feet.

Russia and Ukraine just pulled off their biggest prisoner swap since the war began, with about 1,000 soldiers from each side heading home. More exchanges like this could happen in the next few days, signaling a rare moment of cooperation amid the ongoing conflict.

Editor’s Note: Even in the middle of a brutal war, small steps like prisoner swaps matter—they’re a glimmer of humanity in a fight that’s dragged on for years. While it doesn’t change the bigger picture, getting soldiers back to their families is a win, and it might hint at behind-the-scenes talks we don’t know about yet. Keep an eye on whether this leads to more deals down the line.

During Operation Sindoor—India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—intercepted communications exposed chaos in the Pakistani ranks. A senior commander from the 75th Infantry Brigade reportedly fled his post, telling his troops to "save your lives first" before hiding in a mosque. The operation successfully targeted terror hubs along the LoC, but Pakistan retaliated by shelling civilian areas, leading to further Indian strikes on their military positions.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another border skirmish—it reveals cracks in Pakistan's military discipline while underscoring the volatile fallout of counter-terror ops. The commander's panic humanizes the fog of war, but the civilian toll and escalation risks make it a grim reminder of how quickly these clashes spiral. For readers, it’s a raw look at the high-stakes brinkmanship that defines the LoC.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called out Western countries for what he sees as blatant hypocrisy—supporting military regimes in Pakistan while preaching democracy. He didn’t mince words, arguing that this double standard has done more damage to Pakistan’s democratic institutions than anything else. Jaishankar also took a swipe at Europe’s energy policies, suggesting it’s unfair for other nations to bear the brunt of Europe’s reliance on Russian oil while they lecture others on global stability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic spat—it’s a sharp critique of how global powers pick and choose when to champion democracy based on their own interests. Jaishankar’s remarks highlight growing frustration among Global South nations over Western policies that often seem self-serving. For India, it’s also a way to assert its stance on regional politics, especially as Pakistan remains a sensitive topic. The energy jab adds another layer, tying Europe’s actions to broader global inequities. If more leaders echo this sentiment, we could see a shift in how smaller nations push back against perceived Western dominance.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of having "deep connections" with Hungarian opposition parties, suggesting espionage activity. The claim adds tension to the already strained relationship between Budapest and Kyiv, especially as Hungary has been a vocal critic of EU support for Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a diplomatic spat—it’s another crack in Europe’s united front on Ukraine. Orban’s government has repeatedly clashed with Kyiv over issues like sanctions and aid, and this accusation could further isolate Hungary within the EU. For Ukraine, facing war and relying on Western solidarity, such claims risk eroding trust at a critical moment.