Indo-Pacific Security: The Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference opens in Victoria with leaders from 32 countries, aiming to strengthen collective security and boosting venue security planning. Ukraine War Diplomacy: A former OSCE adviser says European governments have little interest in peace in Ukraine, while Finland’s president argues Russia won’t use nuclear weapons or attack NATO. North Korea Military Shake-up: Kim Jong-un dismisses the defence minister and reshuffles top commanders, as Pyongyang highlights advances in defence technology. Arctic Power Play: A Russian adviser claims Trump’s “Greenland plan” was really about bringing the rest of the Arctic under US control, including key sea routes. Ukraine Strike Toll: Russian attacks on Kyiv region kill at least 37, with explosions tied to an ammunition depot. Regional Protest & Water Stress: Dinagat Islands residents protest a proposed mining project amid a prolonged water crisis and a state of calamity. Digital Finance: Ethiopia’s banks and government push for channel-agnostic digital payments to improve reporting and access. Public Safety: A boat fire off City Island injures three; California’s Big Sur Plaskett fire doubles overnight, triggering evacuations. Indigenous Rights: Trump’s “Lake America” order sparks protests from Indigenous leaders in the US and Canada. Elections & Disinformation: A report says social platforms rarely acted on flagged electoral disinformation during Ireland’s 2025 presidential election.