Zelensky predicts Putin's demise amidst Arctic military buildup, GOP splits from Trump over leaks, MS-13 targeted in US, and South Korea battles deadly fires.

Good Morning,

Ukrainian President Zelensky has predicted that Russian President Putin's death will lead to the end of the Ukraine war, while Putin is focusing on strengthening Russia's military presence in the Arctic. In the U.S., top Republicans are distancing themselves from former President Trump following the leak of war plans, which has caused significant political tension. Meanwhile, South Korea is grappling with devastating fires that have resulted in 18 deaths, prompting the acting president to describe the situation as causing 'unprecedented damage.'

Top Stories

• Zelensky: Putin will die soon and the Ukraine war will end (www.thetimes.com)

• Putin vows to boost Russia’s military presence in Arctic (www.telegraph.co.uk)

• Top Republicans Break With Trump Over Leaked War Plans (www.thedailybeast.com)

• South Korea Fires: 18 Dead as Acting President Speaks of 'Unprecedented Damage' (www.theguardian.com)

• Trump threatens 'far larger' tariffs if EU and Canada unite to do 'economic harm' to the U.S. (www.cnbc.com)

• Gaza protests against Hamas show no signs of slowing down (www.jns.org)

• Vance team ‘go door-to-door’ pleading with Greenlanders to welcome VP and wife (www.telegraph.co.uk)

United States

• 3 in 4 Americans Don't Feel Better Off Under Donald Trump: Poll (www.newsweek.com)

• Canada Announces Bombshell Break With U.S. (newrepublic.com)

• Trump threatens 'far larger' tariffs if EU and Canada unite to do 'economic harm' to the U.S. (www.cnbc.com)

• Vance team ‘go door-to-door’ pleading with Greenlanders to welcome VP and wife (www.telegraph.co.uk)

• ICE Makes Another Student Disappear—and No One Knows Why (newrepublic.com)

• Top Republicans Break With Trump Over Leaked War Plans (www.thedailybeast.com)

• Trump’s CIA Director Blames Biden Team For Allowing Communications On Signal App (www.huffpost.com)

Africa

• Wagner fighters in the Sahel turn to crowdfunding to finance propaganda machine (theafricareport.com)

• Egypt confirms procurement talks for FA-50 light attack aircraft with South Korea are moving forward (armyrecognition.com)

• Kenya recognises Kosovo as independent state (www.theeastafrican.co.ke)

• China's efforts to build up huge business interests across Africa have been accompanied by a careful policy of maintaining neutrality (www.bbc.com)

• The faction loyal to Zimbabwe Vice President Chiwenga, a retired general, wants President Mnangagwa to step down over plans to extend his term. (www.theeastafrican.co.ke)

• Sudan Army Reclaims Khartoum Airport (www.verity.news)

Middle East

• BBC reporter arrested and deported from Turkey after covering protests (www.theguardian.com)

• Massive US bomber buildup in Diego Garcia (ukdefencejournal.org.uk)

• Israel Is Escalating Its War in Syria (foreignpolicy.com)

• Syria's sectarian violence reached Damascus, terrorizing Alawites, residents say (www.reuters.com)

Indo-Pacific

• South Korea Fires: 18 Dead as Acting President Speaks of 'Unprecedented Damage' (www.theguardian.com)

• Amit Shah Hits Out At TMC As Immigration Bill Gets Lok Sabha Nod (www.news18.com)

• Lok Sabha Clears Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 to Reform Entry, Visa Rules (apacnewsnetwork.com)

• Mehul Choksi now in Belgium with wife; India moves to extradite him in ₹13,500-cr PNB case (www.businesstoday.in)

Europe

• Greenland visit cancelled after locals refuse to welcome Usha Vance (www.thelondoneconomic.com)

• Donald Trump said to be on leaked guest list to mega event in Venice (www.standard.co.uk)

• Trump says US will 'go as far as we have to' to get control of Greenland (abcnews.go.com)

• Trump Threatens Europe and Canada if They Band Together Against U.S. (www.nytimes.com)

• Poll shows French fed up with U.S., 6 of 10 back boycott of American goods (www.newsweek.com)

• Europe faces Russia alone (inews.co.uk)

Latin America

• Trump administration says 'top MS-13 national leader' arrested (abcnews.com) 

• Argentina targets $20 billion IMF deal to bolster markets, FX (reuters.com)

• Brazilian President Lula swipes at Trump as US imposes auto tariffs (apnews.com)

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