Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, US–Venezuela ties strain further, UK PM reshuffles his cabinet, Thai parliament elects new PM, Indonesia curbs parliamentary privileges, and major defence, energy, and climate deals advance.

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US-Venezuela relations further strain as tensions rise

US–Venezuela relations further strain as President Donald Trump denies plans for regime change, despite accusations from Nicolás Maduro. Trump criticised Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election while the US deployed 10 F-35 jets to Puerto Rico for Caribbean anti-drug operations. A recent US strike sank a Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying narcotics, killing 11, with further strikes under consideration. Tensions rose after a Venezuelan jet flew near a US warship, prompting Trump to warn US forces could shoot down threats. 

Separately, Trump signed an order adopting “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon, emphasising strength and a “warrior ethos,” sparking criticism over cost and necessity.

Putin warns foreign troops in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets”

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine would be treated as “legitimate targets.” He opposed Western proposals for a post-ceasefire “reassurance force” discussed at a Paris summit, where 26 countries pledged support “by land, sea or air.” Ukrainian President Zelensky welcomed the commitments, while US President Trump suggested backing may focus on air support. 

NATO and UK leaders stressed Moscow has no veto over troop deployments. Putin reiterated opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, accused Kyiv of discriminating against ethnic Russians, and ruled out withdrawal from occupied eastern regions. He said a political settlement remains possible “if common sense prevails.”

UK PM Keir Starmer reshuffles cabinet after deputy PM resignation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reshuffled his Cabinet after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned over a stamp duty breach. Yvette Cooper becomes Foreign Secretary, David Lammy moves to Justice Secretary and Deputy PM, and Shabana Mahmood takes over as Home Secretary. Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains in post, leaving the UK’s top three offices held by women. 

Other changes include Pat McFadden leading a new growth department, Liz Kendall overseeing science and technology, Peter Kyle as Business Secretary, and Steve Reed as Housing Secretary. Rayner’s departure triggers a Labour deputy leadership contest. The reshuffle comes as Starmer faces declining poll ratings, with Reform UK under Nigel Farage ahead.

Anutin Charnvirakul elected Thailand’s new prime minister

Thailand’s parliament has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, as prime minister following the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court over ethical violations. Anutin, 58, a former health minister, secured office with support from the People’s Party, despite his party holding only 69 of 500 seats. 

His mandate is limited, with elections promised within four months alongside constitutional reforms. Anutin inherits a fragile government shaped by longstanding tensions involving the Shinawatra family, whose political influence has faced repeated court and military interventions since 2001. He is known for liberalising cannabis laws and faces immediate challenges navigating Thailand’s volatile political landscape.

Fatal protest fuels cuts to parliamentary privileges in Indonesia

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced cuts to lawmakers’ benefits after nationwide protests against parliamentary privileges. A 50 million rupiah ($3,030; £2,250) monthly housing allowance was scrapped and overseas trips suspended, following anger that the perk far exceeded Jakarta’s minimum wage by almost 10 times. 

Demonstrations spread across major cities, intensifying after 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan was fatally struck by a police vehicle in Jakarta. The incident sparked public criticism of security forces; seven officers have been detained, and Prabowo promised an investigation and support for the family. Police have increased checkpoints and patrols, while some student groups paused rallies amid fears of a crackdown.

Japan, Australia boost defence ties; India, Singapore agree green shipping pact

Japan and Australia have agreed to deepen defence cooperation after talks in Tokyo, with ministers pledging stronger deterrence, contingency planning, and coordination on citizen evacuations. The two allies, both members of the Quad, already train jointly and signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2023. Tokyo is also seeking closer defence industry collaboration, following a A$10 billion warship deal with Canberra, while Australia looks to expand trade into critical minerals.

Separately, India and Singapore signed an MoU to establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, advancing maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The pact complements India’s shipbuilding ambitions and Singapore’s hub role, alongside cooperation in AI, semiconductors, aviation, and skills development.

UK secures record £10bn warship deal with Norway

The UK has secured its largest-ever warship export deal, signing a £10 billion agreement with Norway for at least five Type 26 frigates. Defence Secretary John Healey and Norwegian counterpart Tore O. Sandvik signed the deal in Stavanger, aimed at strengthening NATO’s northern flank. Built by BAE Systems in Glasgow, the programme will support over 4,000 UK jobs and involve more than 400 businesses. The agreement also paves the way for closer UK–Norwegian naval cooperation. 

Meanwhile, Britain is in advanced talks to supply frigates to Denmark and Sweden, further boosting its shipbuilding industry. Both countries are weighing Type-31 vessels, reflecting growing NATO collaboration in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Russia and China advance Power of Siberia 2 pipeline

Russia and China have signed a memorandum to advance the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, aiming to transport 50 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Russian fields to China via Mongolia. Key issues, including pricing and financing, remain unresolved, with Gazprom expecting a potential 30-year supply deal. The project could reduce China’s reliance on LNG imports from the US, Qatar, and Australia. Alongside this, Moscow and Beijing agreed to expand existing gas flows by 8 bcm a year.

Separately, Xi Jinping met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to strengthen bilateral ties, and presided over a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit promoting “true multilateralism,” development aid, AI cooperation, and lunar research, signalling closer China–Russia–Asia alignment without formal alliances.

Afghanistan reels from deadly earthquakes as death toll tops 2,200

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck south-eastern Afghanistan on Thursday (Sep. 4), days after a 6.0 quake killed over 2,200 people, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters in decades. Most casualties were in Kunar province, where villages built from wood and mud bricks were flattened, and nearly all buildings destroyed. Rescue efforts have been slowed by landslides, blocked roads and limited resources, with aid workers walking for hours to reach survivors.

Around 84,000 people have been affected, many left homeless and without food, water or shelter. Aid agencies report severe shortages of staff, medicine and supplies, while funding gaps hamper emergency response. The crisis compounds Afghanistan’s drought, economic collapse and mass refugee returns.

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