The Pentagon is signaling it remains combat-ready if Ukraine peace talks collapse, with officials stating the US is "more than capable" of resuming military operations [France 24]. President Zelenskyy's warning of imminent "big attacks" underscores deteriorating conditions on the ground, even as diplomatic efforts stall.

Meanwhile, a public health emergency is accelerating in Central Africa. An ex-CDC director warned an Ebola outbreak could become the second-largest in history, as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom visited Congo to assess the spreading crisis [The Hill, CBS News]. Cases are multiplying faster than containment measures can keep pace.

Shifting Priorities Across Regions

At Asia's defense summit, US Defense Secretary Hegseth pushed back on concerns about American commitment, insisting allies boost their own defense spending while the US remains engaged [BBC World, PBS]. The message reflects Trump administration pressure on regional partners to shoulder greater security burdens.

Elsewhere, Secretary of State efforts on Iran remain fluid. Hegseth reaffirmed a naval blockade "very much still in place" even as the Trump administration explores potential deal frameworks [The Hill].

In domestic politics, Trump is actively reshaping Republican primaries, jumping into gubernatorial races in South Carolina, Iowa, and Oklahoma [Politico]. Meanwhile, Malta is holding snap parliamentary elections, and Colombia faces a presidential choice between "opposite visions" [DW English, Al Jazeera].

A tragedy in Afghanistan: a truck carrying returning refugees crashed in the east, killing 22 people [NBC News].

**Key takeaway:** Global flashpoints are multiplying—from frozen conflicts to health emergencies to electoral upheaval—as major powers recalibrate their strategic postures.