U.S. and Japan flex military muscles in a show of force amid Tokyo's feud with Beijing

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.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. The White House intends to hold the vessel at a Texas port while releasing the crew upon docking. This action marks a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region, part of an ongoing pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.

The Trump administration is reshaping American diplomacy, particularly regarding its relationships with Europe, as discussed in a recent NPR episode featuring correspondents Greg Myre and Eleanor Beardsley. The focus is on the evolving U.S. stance towards Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and the implications for European alliances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders to discuss a vision for peace amid ongoing territorial tensions with Russia. This dialogue comes as European leaders are pushing for a more assertive stance from the U.S. regarding Ukraine's situation.

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.