Uncertainty grows as EU aid to Ukraine stalls, Gaza conflict intensifies, European leaders distrust Putin, Macron boosts defense, and Japan ramps up deterrance

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Italy and Spain are hesitant to support the EU's initiative to increase military aid to Ukraine, while European leaders caution that Russian President Putin's peace rhetoric is deceptive. In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces the resumption of intense military operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, French President Macron accelerates orders for Rafale warplanes, emphasizing France's commitment to nuclear deterrence.

Top Stories

• Italy, Spain not ready to back EU plan to boost Ukraine military aid (www.reuters.com)

• Gaza war: Netanyahu says fighting has resumed in Gaza with 'full force' (www.bbc.com)

• European leaders warn Putin’s talk of peace is a mirage (www.politico.eu)

• Macron speeds up Rafale warplane orders as France invests in nuclear deterrence (www.reuters.com)

• Baltic states and Poland propose exit from anti-landmine agreement (www.ft.com)

• Putin Agrees for First Time to Avoid Energy Targets, if Ukraine Does Too (www.nytimes.com)

United States

• State Senator who introduced Trump derangement syndrome bill arrested for soliciting a minor (www.theguardian.com)

• ‘I am a political prisoner’: Mahmoud Khalil says he’s being targeted for political beliefs (www.theguardian.com)

• Trump Discussion With Putin to Focus on What Ukraine Will Lose (www.nytimes.com)

• Trump Fires Democrats on Federal Trade Commission (www.nytimes.com)

• The judge who tried to stop the deportation planes is not happy with the Trump administration (www.politico.com)

• Donald Trump threatens Iran with ‘dire’ consequences for Houthi attacks: Militants claim strike on American aircraft carrier after US president orders largest military operation of his second term (www.ft.com)

• Donald Trump says China’s Xi Jinping to visit U.S. in ‘not too distant future’: Hint at summit comes amid escalating trade conflict between Washington and Beijing (www.ft.com)

Africa

• Somali militants target presidential convoy in bomb attack, president safe (reuters.com)

• Mali announces withdrawal from alliance of French-speaking countries (wapo.com)

• Morocco, Cameroon sign military cooperation pact (northafricapost.com)

Middle East

• Militia leader assaults Kurdish citizen in Afrin (www.rudaw.net)

• ‘Pray for us. They’ve arrived’: How Syria descended into revenge bloodshed (www.reuters.com)

• Israel launches deadly wave of airstrikes across Gaza after ceasefire talks stall (apnews.com)

Indo-Pacific

• Hong Kong Billionaire Property Developer Lee Shau Kee Dies at 97 (apnews.com)

• Japan to Deploy Long-range Missiles Able to Hit North Korea and China (www.theguardian.com)

• Crocodile Attacks in Indonesia Are on the Rise. It's Left Residents on Edge (apnews.com)

• Cheap Chinese Cars Are Taking Over Roads From Brazil to South Africa (www.bloomberg.com)

• Ex-China security guard becomes lawyer after decade auditing top courses (www.scmp.com)

• Trump Vows to Authorize Coal-Fired Power to Counter China (www.bloomberg.com)

Europe

• Trump fails to get Putin to stop the shooting (www.politico.eu)

• Dutch parliament calls for end to dependence on US software companies - Reuters (www.reuters.com)

• Following Denmark, the US is now officially asking Germany for eggs (www.spiegel.de)

• The French university welcoming American researchers targeted by Trump's administration (www.lemonde.fr)

• Germany's Bundestag votes in favor of reforming 'debt brake' (www.dw.com)

• Brussels seeks to purchase weapons for entire EU (www.ft.com)

Latin America

• Mexico City, Home To World's Biggest Bullring, Bans Killing Bulls (barrons.com)

• Colombia’s president at a rally calls for a special election on labor and health reforms (apnews.com)

• Parents of Pittsburgh student missing in Caribbean seek death certificate (reuters.com)

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