U.S. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks at a conference of African chiefs of defense in Gaborone, Botswana.

Trump disrupts Pentagon leadership by dismissing a senior general and appointing a retired three-star officer

On Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed Air Force General C.Q. Brown from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and announced plans to replace five other senior military officials, marking an extraordinary shift in U.S. military leadership. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump indicated that he would nominate retired Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine as Brown’s successor. Caine, a former F-16 … Continue reading Trump disrupts Pentagon leadership by dismissing a senior general and appointing a retired three-star officer

Servicemen of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces drive in a Leopard 1A5 tank, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Kongsberg suggests converting civilian vessels to enhance defense capabilities

The CEO of Norway‘s Kongsberg Gruppen stated that adapting civilian platforms for military applications can accelerate defense production and enhance standardization, particularly as the pressure for increased military spending in Europe intensifies under President Donald Trump. In an interview with Reuters, Geir Haoy emphasized the need for simplified processes to achieve this acceleration. He noted that the defense sector is increasingly asking how commercial products … Continue reading Kongsberg suggests converting civilian vessels to enhance defense capabilities

Pentagon is reallocating $50 billion to defense priorities from the Trump administration

On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced that it is instructing military leaders to compile a list of potential budget cuts amounting to approximately $50 billion from the fiscal year 2026 budget. This funding is intended to be redirected towards initiatives aligned with President Donald Trump‘s national defense priorities. This review may pave the way for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement plans that focus on increased … Continue reading Pentagon is reallocating $50 billion to defense priorities from the Trump administration

Soldiers walk among debris as civilians evacuate Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

Germany will not deploy troops to Ukraine without U.S. involvement, per AFP

Germany will refrain from sending peacekeepers to Ukraine unless the United States also commits its own military forces, according to a report by AFP citing a German government source. These comments follow US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s statement that American troops will not be deployed as part of any potential security guarantees for Kiev. A German official conveyed to AFP, “We will not engage in … Continue reading Germany will not deploy troops to Ukraine without U.S. involvement, per AFP

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump via a phone line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv.

Ukraine peace negotiations represent a pivotal moment for Europe

Since the conclusion of World War Two, Europe has relied on the United States as a protective ally against Russia. However, the current geopolitical landscape presents challenges with strong leaders in both Washington and Moscow—U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Europe’s ability to navigate this dual pressure will hinge on its financial resources, resolve, and political cohesion. The pivotal question for select … Continue reading Ukraine peace negotiations represent a pivotal moment for Europe

Trump’s team begins Ukraine diplomacy with a lack of clarity

This week proved to be confusing for those concerned about how the new Trump administration would honor Donald Trump‘s commitment to end the Ukraine conflict. As the U.S. president initiated diplomatic efforts regarding the nearly three-year-long war, statements from his senior officials left many uncertain about his strategy for addressing the most significant security challenge Europe has faced in decades. On Wednesday, Trump engaged in … Continue reading Trump’s team begins Ukraine diplomacy with a lack of clarity

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks, on the day of Tulsi Gabbard's swearing in ceremony as Director of National Intelligence, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Trump expresses support for Ukraine; however, his initial concessions to Russia raise concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to bring a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. However, as negotiations are set to commence, the author of “The Art of the Deal” may have inadvertently complicated his position by diminishing his negotiating power. On January 20, Trump, who assumed the presidency, engaged in separate discussions regarding the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President … Continue reading Trump expresses support for Ukraine; however, his initial concessions to Russia raise concerns

President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.

Trump claims both Putin and Zelenskiy are pursuing peace as phone talks begin to address the Ukraine conflict

Donald Trump reported that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy conveyed their interest in achieving peace during separate phone conversations with him on Wednesday. Following these discussions, Trump instructed senior U.S. officials to initiate negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. These talks occurred after Trump’s defense secretary indicated that Ukraine might need to abandon its longstanding aspirations of joining … Continue reading Trump claims both Putin and Zelenskiy are pursuing peace as phone talks begin to address the Ukraine conflict

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, walks with U.K. Secretary of State for Defence John Healey prior to a bilateral meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Hegseth visits NATO for the first time as allies anticipate US strategies regarding Ukraine

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited NATO on Wednesday, marking the first trip by a member of the new Trump administration as allies await clarity on the extent of military and financial support Washington plans to extend to Ukraine. During his visit, Hegseth engaged in discussions with U.K. Secretary of State for Defence John Healey prior to a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group … Continue reading Hegseth visits NATO for the first time as allies anticipate US strategies regarding Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks at the White House, in Washington.

A senior Trump official is in Kyiv to negotiate a minerals and energy agreement

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv on Wednesday to negotiate a crucial minerals agreement as Ukraine seeks to secure support from U.S. President Donald Trump during a critical phase of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Bessent, marking the first visit to Ukraine by a cabinet-level official from Trump’s administration, is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has expressed willingness to engage … Continue reading A senior Trump official is in Kyiv to negotiate a minerals and energy agreement