Global overnight update: Belarus military moves, Slovakia PM shot, and new debates set
According to the RBC Ukraine portal, Belarus may be gearing up to welcome trains carrying Russian military equipment, personnel, and ammunition. This information, referencing the Belarusian Hajnal Telegram channel and the Belarusian Railwaymen's Community, suggests that units from Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories could also be heading to Belarus. Minsk is reportedly taking measures to maintain the secrecy of these transports. The Belarusian Hajnal channel on Telegram also indicates plans for military exercises next year, aiming to transfer the Russian army contingent into Belarus.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Tomas Taraba, assured that Prime Minister Robert Fico "is not in a life-threatening situation," PAP reports following an interview with the BBC. Taraba expressed shock at the incident but was relieved that Fico's surgery went well, expressing optimism for Fico's recovery. Fico was shot in Handlova, near Banská Bystrica, sustaining abdominal and chest injuries. The police have detained a 71-year-old suspect, with the motive still unclear.
In New Caledonia, opposition to electoral reforms sparked riots that resulted in four deaths—three young Kanaks and a police officer—prompting France to declare a state of emergency, Reuters Agency reports. This declaration enables the imposition of bans on gatherings and movement around the island, an overseas territory of France. In response to the violence, which included arson and looting, an additional 500 officers were dispatched to the area. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized that violence would not be tolerated and that the emergency would facilitate significant measures to restore order. The Washington Post notes that the state of emergency was effective from Wednesday at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
Donald Trump has accepted Joe Biden's challenge for two presidential debates, with the first scheduled for June 27 on CNN and the second for September 10 on ABC television. This announcement was made by the former president on Wednesday, signaling the commencement of preparations for the November 5 presidential election. Trump also signaled his intent to participate in two additional debates in July and August. He expressed his eagerness to debate on CNN, referring to Biden as "the worst president in the history of the United States, and a real threat to democracy" on his TRUTH Social media platform.
As reported by the Greek Reporter portal, the introduction of the Turkish combat drone Bayraktar TB3 has raised concerns in Greece over the potential shift in the balance of power between Ankara and Athens. With advanced capabilities, including taking off and landing on ships with short runways, the TB3 represents the latest iteration of Turkey's popular drone series. Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias has voiced the need for Greece to develop an air defense system akin to Israel's Iron Dome in response to Turkey's expanding drone capabilities.
