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Russia and China Criticize U.S. ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Plan

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Russia and China have jointly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over plans for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, warning that it threatens global strategic stability. The statement came during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The project aims to expand missile interception capabilities through ground-based systems and space-based defense technologies designed to detect and potentially destroy incoming missile threats.

Moscow and Beijing argued that the proposed shield undermines the balance between offensive and defensive nuclear systems, which they say is essential for maintaining global security. The two countries also criticized Washington for allowing the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty to expire without negotiating a replacement. Russia backed China’s stance against joining future U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control talks, while both nations accused the U.S. of pursuing destabilizing military strategies.

The joint statement also warned against the deployment of intermediate-range missiles and the use of preventive missile strikes aimed at disabling enemy forces before conflict begins. Adding to tensions, Russia released footage of military exercises involving the movement and deployment of nuclear warheads for Iskander-M missile systems across Russia and Belarus. The developments highlight growing geopolitical strains between major global powers over missile defense and nuclear security.

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AfD Gains Ground in Eastern Germany as Merz Faces Growing Pressure

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Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is gaining strong support in eastern Germany as Chancellor Friedrich Merz struggles with falling approval ratings and economic concerns. In Saxony-Anhalt, AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund believes the party could secure its first state premiership in the September elections. The AfD has been attracting voters through local “citizen dialogues,” with many supporters expressing frustration over rising living costs, immigration, and dissatisfaction with the current government.

Despite economic investments and development projects in towns like Halberstadt, concerns over inflation, energy prices, and Germany’s slowing economy continue to fuel public anxiety. Recent polls show the AfD reaching up to 41% support in Saxony-Anhalt and 29% nationally, ahead of Merz’s conservatives. The party argues that Germany’s identity is under threat from mass immigration and progressive social policies, while mainstream parties continue to reject any cooperation with the AfD under the country’s political “firewall” strategy.

The possibility of an AfD-led state government has sparked concern among officials and political rivals, especially given the party’s classification as “far-right extremist” by regional security authorities. Critics warn that handing the AfD control of state institutions could have major consequences for German politics. However, many voters at recent rallies said they are willing to give the party a chance, believing traditional parties have failed to address economic struggles and public concerns.

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Patrick Bruel Denies Sexual Assault Allegations as French Prosecutors Review Complaints

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French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has strongly denied multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that have emerged against him in recent weeks. The 67-year-old star said in an Instagram statement that he had “never forced” himself on any woman or used his fame to obtain non-consensual relationships. Several accusations are now reportedly under review by prosecutors in France and Belgium.

Among the most prominent accusers is French TV and radio presenter Flavie Flament, who alleges Bruel drugged and raped her at his Paris apartment in 1991 when she was 16 years old. Bruel’s lawyer rejected the accusation, claiming any relationship between the two was consensual. Flament immediately denied ever having any relationship with the singer.

The controversy has triggered major public debate in France, with feminist groups calling for Bruel’s upcoming international tour to be cancelled. According to investigative outlet Mediapart, around 30 women have accused Bruel of sexual misconduct, while several cases are being examined by judicial authorities. French officials have also stressed the importance of encouraging victims to speak out, even decades after alleged incidents.

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Estonia Says NATO Jet Downs Suspected Ukrainian Drone After Airspace Breach

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Estonia said a NATO fighter jet shot down a drone that entered its airspace on Tuesday, with officials suspecting it was a Ukrainian drone diverted by Russian electronic jamming. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that a Romanian F-16 participating in NATO’s Baltic air policing mission intercepted the drone before debris landed in a marshy forest area near Põltsamaa. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Ukraine apologised to Estonia and the Baltic states, accusing Russia of intentionally redirecting Ukrainian drones launched at military targets inside Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said Moscow was using electronic warfare and propaganda to create tensions in the region. Estonia stressed that it had not granted permission for Ukrainian drones to use its airspace.

The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the Baltic region following several recent drone incursions into NATO member states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Russia has accused the Baltic nations of allowing Ukraine to launch attacks from their territories, claims strongly denied by all three countries. NATO members have increased military deployments and air patrols in Eastern Europe amid fears of further provocations linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Europe EV Sales Surge as Fuel Prices Spike Amid Iran Conflict

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Electric vehicle demand across Europe has jumped sharply as soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict push consumers toward electric mobility. According to data shared with Reuters, registrations of new EVs across major European markets rose 34% year-on-year in April, while demand for both new and used electric cars surged significantly. Industry players said rising oil prices, which climbed above $100 per barrel following disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, have accelerated consumer interest in EVs far beyond earlier expectations.

Major automakers and EV marketplaces reported a sharp rise in customer enquiries and sales activity. UK-based Octopus Electric Vehicles recorded a 95% increase in demand for new EVs and a 160% jump for used models in April. Companies including Renault, Volvo Cars, and Volkswagen-owned Seat/Cupra said customers are increasingly choosing electric models, particularly affordable entry-level vehicles. Some manufacturers are now considering increasing EV production as orders continue to exceed expectations in several European markets, including Germany, Britain, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Chinese electric vehicle brands have also gained momentum due to their relatively lower prices. Online marketplace Carwow reported massive growth in interest for brands such as BYD, Leapmotor, and Xpeng, with EV-related enquiries now accounting for nearly 75% of searches on its platform. Industry executives said the Iran conflict has fundamentally changed how Europeans view energy security and transportation costs, turning EV adoption from a long-term consideration into an immediate priority for many consumers.

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Sweden Secures $4 Billion French Frigate Deal to Boost Baltic Defence

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Sweden has announced a $4.25 billion deal to purchase four Defence and Intervention (FDI) navy frigates from France’s Naval Group, marking the country’s largest military investment since the 1980s. The acquisition is a direct response to heightened security threats in the Baltic Sea following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s subsequent entry into NATO. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that the Baltic Sea is currently more contested than at any point in the modern era, and these new vessels will triple Sweden’s naval air defence capabilities.

The new frigates will become the largest ships in the Swedish navy, with the first delivery scheduled for 2030. Beyond strengthening Sweden’s domestic defense, Navy Chief Johan Norlen highlighted that the vessels will play a crucial role alongside NATO allies in maintaining open civilian and military transport routes to Finland and the Baltic states during potential conflicts. To integrate domestic technology, Defence Minister Pal Jonson noted that the government has requested the integration of Swedish-developed weapons systems, including tech from Saab, onto the French-built platforms.

The selection of France’s Naval Group comes after a competitive bidding process that included rival proposals from Spain’s Navantia and a joint British-Swedish bid by Babcock and Saab. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the deal as a symbol of mutual trust, noting a reciprocal defense relationship where France is purchasing Saab’s GlobalEye early warning systems. Driven by current geopolitical tensions, Sweden has accelerated its military build-up and now expects to reach a NATO military spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2030.

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Global Central Banks Wary as New Fed Nominee Suggests Policy Shifts

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Incoming Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has unsettled global central bankers by suggesting that the Fed’s independence may not fully extend to its international crisis-fighting duties. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Warsh proposed that outside of setting interest rates, the Fed should coordinate closely with the White House and Congress. This has sparked concerns among international peers that political interference could delay vital dollar liquidity facilities during future financial crises.

While policymakers expect no immediate policy overhauls due to Warsh’s deep institutional experience, they warn that a less reliable U.S. central bank could backfire. The Fed’s standing liquidity tools protect the American economy by preventing foreign banks from dumping U.S. Treasury bonds during market stress. Restricting access to these critical dollar lifelines could trigger severe market turbulence and ultimately harm the U.S. financial system itself.

A retreat from the Fed’s role as a global backstop could also accelerate the U.S. dollar’s 15-year decline in global market share. While a less dependable greenback might theoretically boost the euro, financial experts note that Europe’s current financial architecture is not yet equipped to absorb such a shift. Ultimately, analysts and peers emphasize that despite contingency planning, there is no viable alternative to the Fed as the world’s dollar lender of last resort.

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Mango Tycoon’s Son Detained in Spain Over Father’s Death Investigation

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Police in Spain have detained Jonathan Andic, the son of the late Mango fashion group founder Isak Andic, in connection with an ongoing investigation into his father’s death. Isak Andic died in December 2024 after falling more than 100 meters from a cliff during a family hiking trip near Barcelona. While initially treated as an accident, authorities in Catalonia have since shifted the probe to investigate the incident as a possible homicide.

A family spokesperson confirmed that Jonathan Andic—who currently serves as the vice-chairman of the board and previously worked in the company’s retail operations—is cooperating fully with investigators and maintains his innocence. The court handling the case noted last year that the investigation had not previously targeted any specific individual. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to testify before an investigating judge shortly, though the case details remain legally sealed.

Isak Andic, who moved from Istanbul to Catalonia in the 1960s, founded Mango in 1984 and built it into a global fashion powerhouse to rival retail giants like Zara. At the time of his death, he was serving as the company’s non-executive chairman with an estimated net worth of $4.5 billion. While Mango has declined to comment on the recent legal developments, the unlisted, Barcelona-based company recently reported annual sales of 3.8 billion euros ($4.41 billion) for 2025.

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Two Killed, Four Injured in Spain Mass Shooting

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Spanish police have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting in the southern town of El Ejido near Almería. Authorities said the attack happened late Monday night and left two people dead, believed to be the suspect’s parents, while four others were seriously injured.

Among the injured were two young children, including a seven-month-old baby believed to be the suspect’s son, according to local media reports. An 18-month-old child and a 60-year-old man were also reportedly wounded in the incident and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Spain’s Guardia Civil said the suspect briefly fled before surrendering at a nearby police station. Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the shooting, which is considered rare in Spain, where mass shootings remain uncommon compared with other parts of the world.

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Shakira Wins €55m Tax Refund in Spain Case

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A Spanish high court has ruled in favor of Colombian pop star Shakira, ordering the country’s tax authority to refund €55 million (£48 million) after determining the money was wrongly collected. The court said authorities failed to prove that the singer spent the required 183 days in Spain during 2011, meaning she could not legally be treated as a Spanish tax resident for that year.

The refund includes €24 million in income tax payments and nearly €25 million in penalties previously imposed for what tax officials had described as a serious infringement. Shakira welcomed the verdict, saying the decision “finally set the record straight” after years of public scrutiny, legal pressure, and personal stress affecting both her health and family.

The case is separate from Shakira’s earlier 2023 settlement with Spanish prosecutors over tax issues between 2012 and 2014, where she agreed to pay a fine while denying wrongdoing. The latest ruling comes as the global music star prepares to conclude her Women Don’t Cry Anymore world tour with a Madrid residency and upcoming performances linked to the FIFA Men’s World Cup final.

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