NATO head mocks Putin for dressing ‘like a soldier on the front’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States continues to pressure Ukraine to concede territories to Russia as part of a peace plan. Zelensky highlighted that Washington is advocating for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from certain areas in the Donetsk region, where a proposed 'free economic zone' would be established.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the United States is urging Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donbas region, proposing the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in the areas currently under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy expressed concerns that such a plan would be unjust without assurances against Russian territorial advances.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Vincent Van Peteghem stated that frozen Russian assets will eventually need to be utilized for Ukraine, emphasizing that Belgium will not make reckless compromises in any agreement regarding this matter. Analyst Peter Zalmayev criticized Belgium's stance as defeatist, suggesting it echoes Kremlin narratives about Russia's inevitable victory in the ongoing conflict.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned allies that they are potential targets of Russia, urging them to enhance their defense efforts to prevent a conflict reminiscent of past wars. This warning was issued during a press briefing in Brussels, highlighting the increasing tensions between NATO and Russia amid ongoing military actions in Ukraine.

The United States has proposed a demilitarized 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. This initiative aims to facilitate a settlement to the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, but analysts like Peter Zalmayev warn that it may serve as a trap for Ukraine, potentially undermining its sovereignty.

The U.S. has intensified its pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime by seizing a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, which had been under U.S. sanctions for years. This operation, confirmed by President Trump, marks a significant escalation in U.S. military actions in the region. The tanker, named Skipper, will be taken to a U.S. port following the boarding by military and law enforcement personnel.

The U.S. and Japan conducted joint military exercises as a show of force amid escalating tensions with China, particularly following joint drills by Chinese and Russian military aircraft that prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble their jets. This display of military readiness underscores the growing security concerns in the region.