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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Uses Voluntary Reductions as Path to Civilian Workforce Goals DoD News 16 May 2025 -- With two opportunities to apply for a deferred resignation and a hiring freeze in effect for all but the civilian career fields deemed most critical, the Defense Department is working toward successfully implementing its workforce acceleration and recapitalization initiative using voluntary reductions in force.
• DOD Issues Implementation Guidance on Separation of Service Members With Gender Dysphoria DoD News 16 May 2025 -- Yesterday, military leaders across the force were issued guidance from the Defense Department on how to proceed with separating, voluntarily or involuntarily, service members with a diagnosis or history of, or exhibiting symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria.
• Stolen Cerberus XII strengthens US-Hellenic interoperability in Greece US Air Force 16 May 2025 -- Exercise Stolen Cerberus XII, a bilateral training event involving members of the U.S. Air Force and Hellenic armed forces, concluded at Elefsina Air Base, May 7.
• Building Security Through Cooperation: Exercise Obangame Express 2025 concludes in Cabo Verde US Navy 16 May 2025 -- Thirty African nations have wrapped up two-weeks of intense training during Exercise Obangame Express 2025 (OE25), strengthening regional collaboration and reaffirming their commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean off Africa's western coast.
• Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time US Navy 16 May 2025 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 16, 2025. This historic arrival marks the first time Blue Ridge has visited New Zealand as well as its capital city. The last two U.S Navy ships to visit Wellington were USS Howard (DDG 83) in 2021 and USS Sampson (DDG 102) in 2016.
• Senior Officials Say Military Intel Budget Request Aligns With DOD Priorities DoD News 16 May 2025 -- The Defense Department's proposed military intelligence program budget for fiscal year 2026 aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's strategic lines of effort both at home and abroad, according to a trio of senior intelligence officials who testified yesterday at a House Armed Services Committee intelligence and special operations subcommittee posture hearing on Capitol Hill.
• DOD Leaders Urge Congress to Bolster Cyberdefenses DoD News 16 May 2025 -- Defense Department leaders delivered a stark warning about adversaries exploiting cyberspace and threatening national security during a House Armed Services Committee cyber, information technologies and innovation subcommittee hearing in Washington today.
• U.S. Homeland Security seeks 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration crackdown: report People's Daily 16 May 2025 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has requested more than 20,000 National Guard members to help with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, reported The New York Times on Thursday.
• NATO Secretary General attends meeting of the European Political Community NATO 16 May 2025 -- On Friday 16 May (2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined European leaders at a meeting of the European Political Community in Tirana, Albania to discuss shared security concerns.
• NATO's Air Mobility and deterrence capabilities on full display during Exercise GRIFFIN LIGHTNING NATO JFC Brunssum 16 May 2025 -- Under JFCBS's operational authority, the German Aviation Brigade is executing a major multinational deployment across the Baltic region, significantly enhancing NATO's ability to deter and defend in real time.
• Baltic Sea, Lithuania -- FS Andromede has successfully located an historic wartime mine in the Baltic Sea, the first to be discovered during Op Open Spirit 25. NATO MARCOM 16 May 2025 -- Baltic Sea, Lithuania -- FS Andromede has successfully located an historic wartime mine in the Baltic Sea, the first to be discovered during Op Open Spirit 25.
• Estonian Minister of Defence meets with NATO Deputy Secretary General and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Estonia MoD 16 May 2025 -- Ahead of the opening of the Lennart Meri Conference today, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker to discuss the security situation and preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.
• Baltic Sea NATO allies and EU agree on cooperation to protect critical undersea infrastructure Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 16 May 2025 -- The Baltic Sea NATO allies and the European Union have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dick Schoof Discuss Continued Military Support for Ukraine President of Ukraine 16 May 2025
• Budrys: Ukraine's NATO membership is the best way to protect not only Ukraine, but also Europe Lithuania MFA 16 May 2025 -- At an informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Türkiye on 15 May, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, said he wanted the agreement established at previous summits that Ukraine was on the irreversible path to joining NATO reconfirmed in The Hague.
• Sustaining Australia's P-8A Poseidon fleet for long-term capability Australia DOD 16 May 2025 -- The Albanese Government has guaranteed the long-term operational readiness of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon fleet through a $291 million investment for through-life support with Boeing Defence Australia.
• Albanese Government to accelerate development of loitering munitions Australia DOD 16 May 2025 -- The Albanese Government is investing in the development of precision loitering munitions capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the launch of Mission Talon Strike.
• SA's $200M Defence Megastructure takes shape with Whyalla Steel Australia DOD 16 May 2025 -- Almost 2000 tonnes of structural steel, more than half of which came from the Whyalla Steelworks, have been erected to complete the frame of a giant four bay aircraft hangar in northern Adelaide to facilitate the specialist maintenance of the Australian Defence Force's Boeing 737 variant military aircraft.
• India's fight against terrorism is now part of national defence doctrine, we will root out this hybrid & proxy warfare: Raksha Mantri at Bhuj Air Force Station India PIB 16 May 2025 -- "India's fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, it has now become a part of the national defence doctrine, and we will root out this hybrid & proxy warfare," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the air warriors at the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat on May 16, 2025
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the Lennart Meri Conference: Raising defence spending is not a bikini contest, it's about ensuring security Estonia MFA 16 May 2025 -- Speaking at the opening panel of the Lennart Meri Conference, which began today, 16 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that NATO Allies need to increase their defence spending not in order to stand out as if in a bikini contest, but in order to deter Russia, which poses a threat to the security of the entire Alliance.
• Finnish-led software programme to receive EUR 45 million from European Defence Fund Finnish MoD 16 May 2025 -- The results of the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) call for proposals have been published. Finnish industry and research are once again well represented in the EDF projects. The EDF supports defence research and development projects across the EU with around one billion euros annually.
• The Finnish Air Force's conscripts' final exercise of the unit training phase in Jyväskylä and Central Finland Finnish Air Force 16 May 2025 -- The final exercise of the unit training phase 1/25 (JPH 1/25) consists of a base operations exercise and Baana 25 highway strip exercise. The Finnish Air Force conducts the exercise biannually at its different bases.
• Exercise Iron Wolf 2025-I is a practical proof of acting together in collective defence, says D. Šakalienė Lithuania MND 16 May 2025 -- May 16, multinational filed training exercise Iron Wolf 2025-I culminated in a combined Lithuania's and NATO Allies' operation, while an operation conducted by the United States 173rd Airborne Brigade marked the transition to Exercise Swift Response 2025.
• NSA: Defense pact with Germany a milestone in PH's security efforts Philippine News Agency 16 May 2025 -- National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Friday hailed the signing of the Arrangement Concerning Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Germany, touting it as a "significant milestone" in the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its national defense and security posture.
• PAF's C-295 aircraft back in service after Airbus inspection Philippine News Agency 16 May 2025 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received one of its C-295 medium transport aircraft after it completed a comprehensive four-year inspection under Airbus Defense and Space's (ADS) Full In-Service Support Program.
• Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi US Dept. of State 16 May 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 16, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• China always firm supporter for UN peacekeeping: defense minister Global Times 16 May 2025 -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has expressed China's support for the reform and transformation of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations during a meeting in Berlin.
• Canada strengthens support and commitments following 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting Canada 16 May 2025 -- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, today announced new commitments in support of UN peace operations following the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial (UNPKM) meeting hosted by Germany in Berlin.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood | Operation Northern Arrows

• Israel threatens to assassinate Ansarullah leader amid Yemen's determined pro-Palestinian strikes Press TV 16 May 2025 -- The Israeli regime has threatened to assassinate the leader of Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, should Sana'a persist in its pro-Palestinian missile strikes against sensitive and strategic Israeli targets.
• Israel turns to facial recognition to restrict Palestinian access to aid Press TV 16 May 2025 -- The Israeli regime has approved a scheme allowing the use of advanced facial recognition technology to "screen" the Palestinians in need of humanitarian aid.
• Israeli regime kills at least 143 in one day in Gaza Press TV 16 May 2025 -- Israeli regime forces have carried on with their brutal assaults across the besieged Gaza Strip, killing scores more people.
• Gaza is not a commodity for sale: Hamas IRNA 16 May 2025 -- Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official and former health minister in Gaza, has rejected the idea of U.S. President Donald Trump on taking control of Gaza, stressing that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestine and not for sale.
• Hamas official rebukes Trump's remarks on Gaza, says it is not for sale People's Daily 16 May 2025 -- A senior Hamas official said on Thursday that the Gaza Strip is the rightful and exclusive property of the Palestinian people and "not a building up for sale in a real estate market," as tensions persist amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the coastal enclave.
• Palestinian Authority condemns Israeli attacks on schools in West Bank Press TV 16 May 2025 -- The Palestinian Authority's Education Ministry has strongly denounced Israel for fierce and aggressive attacks on schools across the occupied West Bank.
• UNRWA Situation Report #171 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 8 - 14 May 2025 UNRWA 16 May 2025
• Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of at least 45 children in the Gaza Strip UNICEF 16 May 2025
• Gazans 'in terror' after another night of deadly strikes and siege UN News 16 May 2025 -- Amid reports that Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight into Friday killed at least 64 people, aid teams once again pushed back strongly at allegations that aid is being diverted to Hamas, demanding an end to Israel's blockade.
• End senseless killings in the West Bank: UN rights office UN News 16 May 2025 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) called on Friday for an end to senseless killings in the occupied West Bank, where a pregnant Israeli woman was among the latest victims.
• Türk deplores Gaza escalation, pleads for global action to stop more killings OHCHR 16 May 2025 -- The sharp escalation of attacks and killings this week in Gaza, including Israeli strikes on hospitals, are compounding the already desperate humanitarian situation amid signs of even worse to come, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said today.
• Gaza faces 'catastrophic' levels of food insecurity: UN Press TV 16 May 2025 -- A United Nations-backed report announces that Gaza faces "catastrophic" levels of food insecurity, amid Israel's genocidal war on the besieged strip.
• US-backed Gaza aid plan lacks impartiality, aims violence: UN Press TV 16 May 2025 -- The United Nations says it will not participate in a US-backed humanitarian operation in Gaza, saying the plan breaches its principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
• Iran's U.N. envoy criticizes disinformation campaigns on war in Gaza IRNA 16 May 2025 -- Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeed Iravani says false narratives, mainly promoted by Israel and the U.S., on war in Gaza are designed to reverse victim and perpetrator roles.
• Yemen vows to give 'painful response' to Israeli attacks Press TV 16 May 2025 -- Yemen has condemned the Israeli regime's repeated attacks against the country's ports, saying those attacks will be met with a painful response.
• Yemeni forces target Israeli Ben Gurion Airport with hypersonic missile Press TV 16 May 2025 -- The spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces has announced a missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport in the occupied territories in response to the Israeli regime's ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

Operation SINDOOR / Operation Bunyanun Marsoos

• Pakistan, India agree to extend ceasefire until May 18: Pakistani FM People's Daily 16 May 2025 -- Pakistan and India held talks on Thursday and agreed to extend the ongoing ceasefire until May 18, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 16th May 2025 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 May 2025

Other Conflicts

• Syria's Shift Away From Iran Sparks Media Backlash After Trump Meets With Ahmed al-Sharaa RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump's historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, has not gone over well with the hard-line media in Iran.
• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma EC/CEU 16 May 2025
• Kosovo- Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 May 2025 -- The recent Kosovo police operations, inspections and closures of public services in Kosovo risk exacerbating tension and negatively impact the daily lives of local communities, as well as undermine the international standing of Kosovo.

News Reports

• Trump Must Be Globally Involved To 'Make America Great Again,' Says Conservative Pundit Clifford May RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- Donald Trump entered the presidency with an unambiguous message to the world: "America First." Now, just over 100 days into his second term, that foreign policy doctrine - marked by skepticism toward allies, disdain for global institutions, and a preference for transactional diplomacy - is once again under scrutiny.
• Mexican National and Alleged Alien Smuggler Indicted on First Material Support of Terrorism Charges Against CJNG Member US Dept. of Justice 16 May 2025 -- An indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Texas is the first in the nation to charge a Mexican national with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization based on her involvement with the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), including providing the cartel with grenades and engaging in alien smuggling, firearms trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics trafficking on its behalf.
• QC court convicts top terror finance conduit Philippine News Agency 16 May 2025 -- A Quezon City court has convicted a 32-year-old woman to up to 20 years in prison for her part in the financing network of extremist groups in Southeast Asia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 16 May 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held, via videoconference, a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council.
• Telephone conversation with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov President of Russia 16 May 2025
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the CBSS ministerial meeting: Threats of the shadow fleet must be tackled more decisively Estonia MFA 16 May 2025 -- Yesterday and today, on 15 and 16 May, the foreign ministers and high-ranking officials of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) gathered in Vihula under the Estonian Presidency to discuss the threats posed by the activities of the shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
• Tsahkna to his German colleague: Baltic Sea states must stand up to Russian provocations Estonia MFA 16 May 2025 -- Today 16 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with German Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Vihula.
• Budrys: Russia is using its shadow fleet against us as a weapon Lithuania MFA 16 May 2025 -- On 16 May in Estonia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, is participating in the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on May 16, 2025 PRC MofA 16 May 2025
• China absolutely does not accept egregious suppression, will defend Chinese firms' rights: FM on US curbs on Huawei AI chips Global Times 16 May 2025 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday slammed the US over a recent announcement by the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which claimed the use of Huawei's Ascend chips risks violating US export controls, as well as the bureau's warning to the public about the potential consequences of training Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models with US AI chips.
• China, US to maintain communication based on Geneva consensus: MOFCOM Global Times 16 May 2025 -- China and the US will continue dialogue on each other's economic and trade concerns, following the progress made during the talks in Geneva, Switzerland, with updates on the newly agreed economic and trade consultation mechanism to be released in due course, according to a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday.
• U.S. representatives introduce bill to codify 'Six Assurances' CNA 16 May 2025 -- A bipartisan group of United States representatives has introduced a bill to codify the "Six Assurances" as official U.S. policy.
• Taiwan says WHA exclusion would be a 'loss for the world' CNA 16 May 2025 -- Taiwan's foreign and health ministers said Friday it would be a "loss for the world" if the country is left out of next week's World Health Assembly (WHA) for the ninth year in a row.
• South Africa steps up pressure on Taiwan office; minister blames China CNA 16 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Friday accused China of being behind South Africa's latest decision to unilaterally change the contact information of Taiwan's representative office in the African nation.
• Taiwan region not approved to take part in World Health Assembly People's Daily 16 May 2025 -- China has decided not to approve the Taiwan region's participation in the 78th World Health Assembly, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday in response to reports that the region has again failed to receive an invitation to the gathering this year.
• China's decision of not approving Taiwan region's participation in 78th WHA has global support People's Daily 16 May 2025 -- China's decision of not approving the Taiwan region's participation in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) has wide support and understanding from the international community, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 May 2025
• Araqchi: There is no scenario for Iran to abandon its right to enrichment IRNA 16 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says that there is no scenario in which Iran abandons its hard-earned right to enrichment for peaceful purposes.
• None of Iran's nuclear facilities will be dismantled: FM Press TV 16 May 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed that none of the country's nuclear facilities will be dismantled, amid indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program.
• Iran Meets European Powers As Trump Presses Tehran On Nuclear Proposal RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- Iran and European powers held talks in Istanbul about Tehran's nuclear negotiations with Washington as US President Donald Trump warned "something bad" will happen if the Islamic republic does not quickly decide on a US proposal for a deal.
• Gharibabadi says Iran and E3 are determined to sustain and make best use of diplomacy IRNA 16 May 2025 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi has referred to his meeting with political directors of the three European countries namely France, Britain, and Germany in Istanbul, saying the parties are determined to sustain and make best use of diplomacy.
• Iran, E3 resolved to sustain, optimally use diplomacy: Deputy foreign minister Press TV 16 May 2025 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Iran and the European trio of Britain, France, and Germany (E3) are resolute on making optimal use of diplomacy over Tehran's nuclear program.
• Iran says has received no written US proposal, directly or indirectly Press TV 16 May 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied claims about receiving a written message from the United States for a nuclear deal, saying the Islamic Republic's right to peaceful enrichment remains in place.
• Trump warns Iran of 'something bad' in renewed threat despite Tehran's outright rejection of intimidation Press TV 16 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has re-escalated his hostile rhetoric against Iran, warning of unspecified consequences if Tehran fails to act swiftly on what he called an American "proposal."
• Trump on Possible Iran Deal: Tehran Knows Needs to Act Fast Sputnik 16 May 2025 -- Iran knows it has to act fast, otherwise something bad will happen, US President Donald Trump said on Friday.
• Having Lost Syria, Iran Watches As 'Axis' Lynchpin Turns Toward US RFE/RL 16 May 2025
• Meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Secretary of the UK Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 May 2025 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met with the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad.
• First Foreign Secretary visit to Pakistan since 2021 as UK pushes for fragile ceasefire to become durable peace UK FCDO 16 May 2025 -- Visit underscores need to maintain peace and regional security
• "Türkiye acts as the pioneer of peace diplomacy in today's world" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 16 May 2025 -- Speaking at Istanbul GENÇFEST, President Erdoğan said: "Today, Türkiye is the standard-bearer of humanitarian diplomacy. Türkiye acts as the pioneer of peace diplomacy in today's world."
• "A fair and inclusive global governance architecture needs to be established to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 16 May 2025 -- Addressing the 6th meeting of the European Political Community, President Erdoğan said: "A fair and inclusive global governance architecture needs to be established to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena. We must start the transformation at home, as the European continent, which will be built on the principles of the indivisibility of security and a more equitable allocation of prosperity."
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Mickoski of North Macedonia: 16 May 2025 Gov.UK 16 May 2025
• PM meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen: 16 May 2025 Gov.UK 16 May 2025
• Joint statement by Australia, Canada and New Zealand on occasion of APEC Ministerial meetings in Jeju, Korea, 11-16 May Australia DFAT 16 May 2025 -- Joint media release of Australia, Canada and New Zealand on the occasion of the APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting, 11-12 May, Education Ministers Meeting, 13-14 May, and Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting, 15-16 May 2025 in Jeju, Republic of Korea
• Joint Statement of the Council of the Baltic Sea States Foreign Ministers Estonia MFA 16 May 2025 -- On 16 May 2025, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden, the member states of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, met in Vihula, Estonia, and agreed on the following:
• Foreign Minister Baiba Braže at the Baltic Sea states' meeting: a response to Russia's aggressive actions in the Baltic Sea calls for taking a united regional stand Latvia MFA 16 May 2025 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), in their meeting at Vihula, Estonia, on 15-16 May 2025, agreed to strengthen regional security and reorganize the organization's activities with a focus on regional security, as well as adopting the Vihula Declaration.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski attends Council of the Baltic Sea States' Ministerial Session Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 May 2025 -- Minister Radosław Sikorski put forward the Polish position regarding the need to strengthen the cooperation among the members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in the broadly understood field of security.
• Joint statement by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission after a meeting with President Maia Sandu of Moldova (16 May 2025) EC/CEU 16 May 2025
• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova EC/CEU 16 May 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 16 May 2025
• Thailand, Vietnam raise relations to the highest level Radio Free Asia 16 May 2025 -- Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to raise political and economic relations to the highest level, a comprehensive strategic partnership, the two countries' prime ministers announced on Friday.
• Vucic Says No Halt To Kushner's Trump Hotel Project In Belgrade Despite Forged Document RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- Serbia's president said there would be no halt to a luxury hotel development being built by President Donald Trump's son-in-law in Belgrade despite revelations that a forged document led to the site's protected status being lifted.
• Warsaw Mayor Expected To Win Presidential Election Key To Government's Reform Agenda RFE/RL 16 May 2025 -- Poles will cast their ballots in a presidential election on May 18 in a vote seen as crucial for Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his pro-European government's lives easier as they look to implement their reformist agenda.
• Another year, another rise in food insecurity - including famine UN News 16 May 2025 -- In July 2024, famine was detected in the Sudan's Zamzam IDP camp. In the following months, the official alert expanded to other camps in Darfur and Western Nuba Mountains. From December until now, famine has been confirmed in five other areas of the war-torn country. A further 17 areas are at risk.
• UN's Türk criticises 'draconian' decree limiting dissent in Mali UN News 16 May 2025 -- The military authorities in Mali have dissolved all political parties and repealed laws protecting political participation, drawing sharp condemnation from the UN's top human rights official on Friday.
• World News in Brief: Russia-Ukraine talks, Sudan exodus worsens, Colombia displacement rises UN News 16 May 2025 -- The United Nations has welcomed talks between Russia and Ukraine held on Friday in Türkiye.