Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy: Vladimir Putin rejected Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for face-to-face talks, saying there’s “no point” in meeting while Ukraine presses for a ceasefire and future negotiations. NATO Deterrence: UK PM Keir Starmer warned Russia could attack a NATO country within four years, as Britain prepares a delayed defence investment plan ahead of the July summit. US Intelligence Shake-up: Trump named Bill Pulte acting DNI, urging him to “start the process” of shrinking the ODNI workforce. EU Tech Rivalry: A US envoy urged Europe to back Washington in an “AI war” with China, while China’s FM pushed for AI governance that isn’t dominated by great-power rivalry. China-North Korea: Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea, signaling alliance unity while analysts expect both sides to bargain for influence and economic concessions. Middle East Tensions & Oil: Iran’s crude to China is reportedly trading at discounts as demand from Chinese refiners softens despite tighter sanctions enforcement. Africa Migration: Nigeria plans to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions. Health & Rights: A cancer patient “out of options” is seeking about $200k CAR T treatment in China after remission attempts fail. Business & Finance: American Pacific Mortgage and Synergy One Lending announced a merger to build a scaled retail mortgage platform.