Latest news for 17 June 2025

RUSSIA

Ex-defence minister lands in North Korea (again).

State outlets report that Putin has sent his confidante and former defence chief Sergei Shoigu to North Korea with unspecified “special instructions”, in what’s now Shoigu’s third visit in as many months. (The Moscow Times)

Comment: Building on the security pact Putin himself signed with Kim in Pyongyang last year, Shoigu is probably in town pushing for more arms and/or troop support for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which is still inching forward at staggering cost.

ISRAEL

More casualties near Gaza aid site.

Witnesses are reporting dozens dead and ~200 injured amid allegations the Israeli military opened fire near an aid distribution site. Israel says it’s investigating. (BBC)

GERMANY

First Veterans Day.

Germany has marked its first-ever Veterans Day since its post-Cold War reunification, in a rare public celebration of the country’s military. (DW) Comment: Add this to the list of the ways capitals — even those wary of their own histories — are revisiting their military roles in a startling new world.

CHINA

Xi’s Central Asia play continues.

China’s Xi Jinping has landed in Kazakhstan to kick off today’s China–Central Asia Summit, as he continues to milk Russia’s declining regional influence. (Al Jazeera)

PERU

Earthquake shakes the capital.

A 5.6 earthquake has rocked the capital of Lima, killing one and injuring five. (CNN)Comment: Lima is already facing a rolling series of political, security, and economic crises, so it must be feeling a sense of “not now” as Mother Nature enters the chat.

UGANDA

You get a trial, you get a trial!

Long-time Ugandan strongman Yoweri Museveni has signed an amendment allowing military courts to try any civilians found with military equipment. Critics argue it’ll just allow Museveni to further crack down on his opponents. (BBC)