Ukraine strike disrupts Druzhba pipeline flows to Hungary, Slovakia

Reuters,

A Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Unecha pumping station in Bryansk has halted oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia for at least five days, according to officials in Budapest and Bratislava. The site feeds Europe-bound crude, and pipeline operator Transpetrol confirmed an interruption. Hungary and Slovakia urged the European Commission to guarantee supply security, warning their economies rely on the route. Kyiv has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow has targeted Ukraine’s gas network, deepening risks to regional energy stability as the war grinds on. Germany said its Kazakh-origin supplies via Druzhba were unaffected.

Australia–Philippines defense talks spotlight South China Sea tensions

AP,

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles met in Manila as Chinese coastguard and militia deployments surged near Second Thomas Shoal. The visit coincides with “Exercise Alon,” Australia’s largest combat drills with the Philippines, featuring warships, fighter jets and joint amphibious training. After talks, the ministers planned a statement to deepen interoperability and deterrence. Manila says Chinese craft, some with heavy weapons, maneuvered dangerously close to its grounded outpost; Beijing disputes Manila’s account. The US is monitoring the flashpoint, underscoring fears that miscalculation could trigger a broader regional crisis.

UN food monitor declares famine in Gaza; Israel rejects findings

Al Jazeera,

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the UN-backed authority on food crises, declared a “full-blown famine” in Gaza, saying hundreds of thousands face catastrophic hunger amid ongoing fighting and aid restrictions. Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the assessment as “false,” arguing there is no famine and citing expanded aid access. The declaration intensifies diplomatic pressure for humanitarian corridors and a ceasefire, as medical sources report rising malnutrition-related deaths and aid groups warn of a widening crisis across the enclave.

Kim Jong-un hails North Korean ‘heroes’ who fought for Russia in Ukraine

The Guardian,

North Korea held a ceremony honoring troops it says fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with leader Kim Jong-un calling them “heroes.” State media showcased medals, a concert and meetings with bereaved families. The Guardian notes South Korean intelligence has previously estimated that over 10,000 North Korean personnel were deployed to Russia, with hundreds killed, claims Pyongyang does not publicly detail. The event underscores deepening Moscow–Pyongyang military ties after last year’s mutual defense pact and raises concern that combat experience could bolster the North’s capabilities vis-à-vis South Korea.

Nvidia CEO ‘surprised’ by Beijing’s security doubts over H20 AI chips

South China Morning Post,

Nvidia chief Jensen Huang said he was “surprised” China questioned the security of the company’s H20 AI chips, designed to meet US export curbs. Speaking in Taiwan after meetings with TSMC executives, Huang said whether Nvidia can develop a new China-market product would be up to Washington. The Information reported Nvidia told suppliers to pause H20-related production after Beijing’s move; Chinese concerns reportedly include proposed tracking features in export-compliant chips. The episode highlights tightening US-China tech controls and the fragility of AI supply chains in the world’s largest semiconductor markets.

Colombia rocked by twin guerrilla attacks; at least 18 killed

France 24,

Two coordinated strikes killed at least 18 people in Colombia: a truck bomb in the southwestern city of Cali left six dead and dozens injured, while a drone downed a police helicopter at a coca farm in the north, killing multiple officers. Authorities blamed guerrilla factions amid a deteriorating security environment as the government struggles to curb criminal and insurgent violence. The attacks, among the deadliest this year, will likely intensify debate over peace talks and rural security policy in coca-growing regions.

US sanctions 16 vessels tied to Iran oil trade; SeaLead denies links

Financial Times,

The US imposed sanctions on a network moving Iranian oil, blacklisting 16 vessels tied to shipping operations it says are controlled by a figure connected to Iran’s leadership. Singapore-based SeaLead said it ended charters of implicated ships and denied any Iranian ownership or control. The move escalates enforcement on Iran’s energy exports and could complicate freight availability and insurance for carriers operating in high-risk trades, adding friction to global oil logistics already strained by conflict-related disruptions.

Japan and African nations agree to bolster critical minerals supply

Kyodo News,

At the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Japan and African partners agreed to cooperate on stable supplies of critical minerals used in batteries and chips, seeking to diversify away from concentrated sources. The framework aims to develop projects and financing that enhance processing and value-addition in Africa while supporting Japan’s supply security for EVs and semiconductors. The pact reflects intensifying competition over rare earths and strategic materials as advanced economies race to secure inputs for the energy transition and AI hardware.