Welcome to our show, ‘Defense Briefing,’ I’m your host, Liang Jun. Today, we dive into the heartfelt story of a Ukrainian woman who shared her emotional experience of family separation during the ongoing war. She expressed her deep wish to reunite with her family, especially her parents who are living in a Russian-occupied area. As many Ukrainians seek refuge in the UK, they face new challenges with visa extensions as the conflict continues.
In other news, tensions rise within the G7 as the United States resists labeling Russia as the aggressor in a statement marking the third anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine. This shift in stance comes amid controversies surrounding President Trump’s remarks, causing friction among G7 leaders. The ongoing negotiations aim to draft a neutral statement, but concerns linger over the potential implications of this softened language.
Lastly, in Colombia, a soldier lost his life, and another was injured in clashes with FARC dissidents in a troubled coca-growing region. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and instability in the area, prompting President Gustavo Petro to take emergency measures to restore order. As conflicts escalate, authorities are on high alert, investigating multiple attacks on police stations. Please stay tuned for more detailed coverage.
BBC reports on a poignant moment during a special episode of Question Time, where a Ukrainian audience member shared her heart-wrenching experience of family separation due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. She expressed her deep longing, stating, “I wish I would see my family all together,” highlighting the harsh reality faced by many families torn apart by conflict. Her parents live on the frontline in a Russian-occupied area, emphasizing the dangers they face daily. As Ukrainian refugees in the UK prepare to navigate visa extensions under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, the uncertainty of their future looms large, with no permanent option for settlement currently available.
In a contrasting narrative, the New York Times reveals the United States’ resistance to labeling Russia as the aggressor in a G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the invasion. Senior officials from participating countries noted that the U.S. has opted for a neutral stance, removing pro-Ukraine references from the draft statement. This shift follows President Trump’s recent comments blaming Ukraine for the war, which began with Russia’s invasion. The G7, traditionally united in its condemnation of Russian aggression, now faces internal discord as Canada leads the drafting process, trying to maintain a unified front while the U.S. pushes for a more neutral tone.
CNN elaborates on the diplomatic tensions within the G7 as discussions continue over the upcoming anniversary statement. The U.S. push to avoid assigning blame to Russia reflects a broader shift in its approach to the conflict, contrasting sharply with the Biden administration’s previous stance. President Trump’s remarks have sparked concerns among other G7 leaders, who fear that softening the language could embolden Moscow. As the group prepares for a virtual meeting, Western officials stress the importance of maintaining a clear narrative regarding responsibility for the war, while also navigating the complexities of U.S. domestic politics and its implications for international relations.
Associated Press reports that a tragic clash in Colombia’s coca-growing region resulted in the death of a soldier and left another injured during a military operation against guerrilla dissidents. This region, plagued by violence and turf wars between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and holdouts from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has seen over 60 fatalities and significant displacement of local residents this year. The Colombian Army attributed the injuries to an improvised explosive device, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by security forces in their efforts to establish control in an area critical for drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation highlights the precarious state of negotiations for the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which was initially agreed upon to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the first phase has seen some success with hostage releases and increased aid deliveries, the upcoming phase is fraught with challenges. Both sides have expressed frustration, with Hamas accusing Israel of stalling negotiations, while Israel’s Foreign Minister warned of potential military action if talks do not yield results. The stakes are high as the second phase aims to secure the return of remaining hostages and commence reconstruction in Gaza, but analysts predict that the path forward may be tumultuous.
According to the BBC, tensions are rising between the U.S. and Ukraine as President Zelensky resists demands for a deal granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals. White House advisor Mike Waltz expressed frustration over Zelensky’s rejection of what he termed a historic opportunity for sustainable security guarantees in exchange for aid. The backdrop of this diplomatic strain includes a series of contentious remarks between the two leaders, with Trump accusing Zelensky of instigating the war with Russia. As negotiations unfold, Ukraine remains concerned about being sidelined in discussions that could shape its future, with the risk of U.S.-Russia talks continuing without its involvement.
South China Morning Post reports that the United States has decided not to co-sponsor a UN resolution that marks the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a move that could signify a significant shift in support from one of Ukraine’s key allies. This resolution, which aims to reaffirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity and calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops, is backed by over 50 countries. However, the US has raised objections to certain language in the resolution and a G7 statement condemning Russian aggression, indicating a growing rift between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The situation is further complicated by Trump’s recent efforts to negotiate a swift end to the war, including talks with Russia that exclude Ukraine, casting doubt on the US’s traditional stance of supporting Ukraine during this ongoing conflict.
Al Jazeera highlights the dramatic change in US policy under President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump has accused Zelensky of misleading the US into spending billions on an unwinnable war and has controversially placed blame on Ukraine for starting the conflict, despite Russia’s clear invasion. This shift raises questions about the motivations behind US involvement in Ukraine, suggesting that personal grievances from Trump’s previous term may overshadow the nation’s best interests. The discussion features insights from various experts, who analyze the implications of this policy reversal on Ukraine’s future.
According to the Associated Press, Fort Knox, the legendary US gold depository, remains a symbol of security and protection for the nation’s gold reserves. President Trump recently mentioned that Elon Musk would be inspecting Fort Knox to verify the presence of gold, although Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that annual audits ensure all gold is accounted for. Established in 1937, Fort Knox has stored a significant portion of the US’s gold, totaling 147.3 million ounces. The facility is renowned for its impenetrable security, constructed with robust materials and guarded by strict protocols. While the vault has only been opened to a select few over the years, its reputation has permeated popular culture, featuring in films and cartoons, cementing its status as a secure treasure trove.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that a planned joint press conference between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and retired General Keith Kellogg, a key advisor to Donald Trump, was abruptly cancelled, reflecting the growing tensions between Ukraine and the United States. This cancellation comes after Trump criticized Zelenskyy on social media, claiming he was “doing a terrible job,” and echoed Russian narratives blaming Ukraine for initiating the war, which prompted Zelenskyy to accuse Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation. The situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton, who emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine against Putin’s aggression. Meanwhile, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev praised Trump, stating he was “200 percent right,” further complicating the diplomatic landscape. Despite the backdrop of these tensions, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. support during his conversation with Kellogg, who is in Ukraine to discuss assistance amidst ongoing conflict. The broader U.S. discourse has included suggestions of Ukraine conceding territory to Russia in peace negotiations, raising concerns among allies about the implications of such discussions. As the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, the dynamics of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on Ukraine remain uncertain, with some Republican figures pushing back against Trump’s stance on Zelenskyy and Russia.
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