The Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirmed its troops engaged with North Korean units deployed to aid Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called this a “new page in instability.” Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov reported a “small engagement” in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been active. North Korea reportedly sent 10,000-12,000 soldiers to Russia. G7 and allies expressed concern over North Korea’s involvement, warning it could dangerously expand the conflict. Zelenskyy urged global action to counter this escalation. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 1:30 pm
Donald Trump’s election victory has prompted the EU to prepare for a potential trade war, as he plans to impose tariffs on imports, including a 60% levy on Chinese goods. The EU aims to negotiate but is ready to retaliate if necessary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for cooperation, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic economic relationship. However, EU leaders are concerned, recalling Trump’s previous tariffs on steel and aluminum, and fear his second term could be more challenging, especially given the EU’s reliance on U.S. liquefied natural gas. Ava Sinclair 06/11/2024 1:30 pm
Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis, a former military defense contractor, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leading a decade-long bribery scheme involving U.S. Navy officers. U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino also ordered him to pay $20 million in restitution, a $150,000 fine, and forfeit $35 million in illegal proceeds. Francis initially pleaded guilty in 2015 and cooperated with authorities. He fled before his 2022 sentencing but was captured in Venezuela and returned to the U.S. in December 2023. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 1:30 pm
The Mexican Navy seized 3.6 tons of cocaine from a “narco sub” off Acapulco’s coast. The semi-submersible craft, designed for stealth, carried 102 cocaine packages. Nine crew members were detained, six being foreigners. This operation follows a recent record seizure of 8.3 tons of drugs in the Pacific. Under the current administration, over 15,000 kilograms of drugs have been seized at sea. Earlier this year, the Navy captured over seven tons of cocaine in two Pacific raids. Ava Sinclair 06/11/2024 1:30 pm
World leaders, including Ukraine’s Zelenskiy, UK’s Starmer, NATO’s Rutte, Israel’s Netanyahu, and France’s Macron, congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory. They expressed eagerness to collaborate on shared values like peace, democracy, and strengthening alliances. Zelenskiy highlighted Trump’s “peace through strength” approach, while Netanyahu praised the renewed US-Israel alliance. Noah Prescott 06/11/2024 1:30 pm
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 30 people, including children and women, as part of a month-long offensive. The Israeli military claims it targeted a weapons facility, taking steps to avoid civilian harm. Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas continues, with significant casualties reported. Meanwhile, the White House was surprised by Israeli PM Netanyahu’s firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, raising concerns and questions among Biden’s advisers. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 10:00 am
Western security officials suspect Russian intelligence, specifically the GRU, of plotting to place incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes to North America. Incidents occurred in Germany and England. Poland arrested four suspects linked to foreign intelligence sabotage and is searching for two more. Lithuania reported detentions in several countries. This is part of a broader Russian hybrid war targeting Ukraine’s allies, involving election disinformation and arson. Poland’s ABW reports intensified sabotage efforts, with 20 people charged. The Wall Street Journal first reported these incidents. Ava Sinclair 06/11/2024 10:00 am
North Korean soldiers have reportedly clashed with Ukrainian troops, marking a new phase of global instability, according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. While Ukraine claims North Korean soldiers are in the Kursk region, Seoul disputes direct combat, citing only an “incident.” Ukraine estimates 11,000 North Korean troops in the area, with many still in training. Despite evidence from South Korean, US, and NATO intelligence, Moscow and Pyongyang have not addressed these allegations. Umerov expects more North Korean involvement, with soldiers wearing Russian uniforms and undergoing tactical training. Noah Prescott 06/11/2024 10:00 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant amid ongoing regional conflicts, sparking nationwide protests. Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of trust” as reasons for the dismissal. Initially unified, Israel’s leadership has diverged over strategies in the war against Hamas. Gallant favored a pragmatic approach, advocating for a temporary diplomatic deal to secure hostages, while Netanyahu pushed for continued military pressure. Gallant also disagreed with Netanyahu on military draft exemptions, a hostage deal, and an inquiry into the October 7 Hamas attack. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 6:30 am
Malaysian businessman Leonard Glenn Francis, known as “Fat Leonard,” was sentenced to 15 years for his role in the US Navy’s largest corruption scandal and for skipping a previous sentencing. He bribed Navy officials for classified information, overcharging the Navy $35 million. After escaping in 2022, he was recaptured in Venezuela. His company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, received five years probation and a $36 million fine. Francis was fined $150,000 and ordered to pay $20 million in restitution. His cooperation helped uncover extensive Navy corruption. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 6:30 am
