Geopolitical and Military Tensions

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russia firing over 500 drones and two dozen missiles at Ukraine. In response, Poland has scrambled its fighter jets and placed air defenses on maximum readiness.

Tensions are escalating between the United States and Venezuela. The Trump administration has deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to combat drug cartels, and there have been reports of U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan boats. Venezuela's president has accused the U.S. of seeking regime change.

In the Middle East, the Gaza war continues with ongoing Israeli military operations and the release of a video by Hamas showing two Israeli hostages.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN report found that M23 rebels and other armed groups have committed serious abuses that may constitute war crimes.

In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the "Department of War."