Trump warns: Putin may try to invade other countries
US President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could look to invade other countries after achieving his goal of Ukraine. The statement was made during a press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday.
Asked if he considers Putin an enemy and if he believes he has territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine, Trump replied: "It's possible.
"I consider him a disoriented person," the American president said.
Trump added that Putin had contacted him to offer help in resolving the latest conflict in the Middle East, proposing to mediate between the US, Israel and Iran.
EU summit: Leaders meet to discuss situation in Ukraine and Gaza
The 27 leaders of the European Union are gathering in Brussels for a one-day summit with a packed geopolitical agenda. Top issues include the conflict between Israel and Iran, the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the internal relations of the transatlantic alliance in the wake of Donald Trump's statements.
A comprehensive seven-page report, compiled on the basis of the work of international organizations, lists numerous violations of international humanitarian law: the blocking of humanitarian aid, military attacks on hospitals, the forced displacement of the Palestinian population, mass arrests, arbitrary detentions and violence by Israeli settlers.
However, member states remain divided on how to act. Some are calling for a concrete response, while others prefer not to take action.
CIA chief says Iran's nuclear facilities severely damaged
The head of the CIA said that US strikes had "severely damaged" Iran's nuclear capabilities, setting them back years. The statement contradicted a previously released classified report that downplayed the impact of the strikes, which had angered President Trump.
US intelligence director John Ratcliffe said key sites had been destroyed, but stopped short of declaring that Iran's nuclear program had been completely eliminated.
Trump insisted that the attack had "completely destroyed" Iran's nuclear facilities.
Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in the Middle East
Pope Leo XIV declared that the Middle East region is in urgent need of peace. He recalled the terrorist attack on the Mar Elias church in Damascus, Syria, three days ago, as he prayed for the wounded and their families.
Addressing Christians in the Middle East, the Pope expressed his solidarity:
"I am close to you and the entire Church is with you. This latest attack highlights the deep fragility that Syria continues to experience after years of instability and violence," he said.
The Pope called on the nations of the world not to take their eyes off Syria. “On the contrary,” he said, “the international community must offer support through concrete acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
"Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," the Pope concluded.
