Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, US policy shifts, rising Russia-Ukraine tensions, and leaders in Poland, South Korea, and Israel faced major political turning points amid rising regional tensions.

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US expands travel ban to 19 countries; Trump and Musk clash over spending bill

The US has issued a new executive order expanding travel restrictions for citizens from 19 countries. Signed by President Donald Trump, it imposes a full ban on 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Libya, and tighter controls on seven others such as Cuba and Venezuela. The order, effective June 9, aims to enhance national security by restricting entry from countries with insufficient vetting.

Meanwhile, tensions between Trump and Elon Musk have intensified over a US spending bill. Musk condemned the “One Big Beautiful Bill” as a “disgusting abomination” that would increase the national debt, urging Americans to oppose it. Trump criticised Musk’s stance, suggesting personal motives linked to subsidy changes. The feud spilled onto social media, with Musk hinting at forming a new political party and Trump questioning Musk’s government contracts.

Russia-Ukraine tensions rise as peace efforts falter amid fresh attacks

Ukraine launched an unprecedented long-range drone attacks on multiple Russian airbases, targeting over 40 aircraft in five regions. The operation, named Spiderweb, was reportedly in preparation for months and used mobile launch platforms. Russia confirmed fires and damage at Murmansk and Irkutsk airfields, with no casualties reported.

The strikes came ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, which ended without a ceasefire but included a limited prisoner exchange. Russia later launched large-scale retaliatory airstrikes across Ukraine, the following day Kharkiv saw one of its heaviest bombardments of the war. Meanwhile, prisoner repatriation talks stalled amid accusations from both sides.

Dutch PM Dick Schoof resigns after coalition collapse, elections set for October 29

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof resigned after the collapse of the ruling coalition, triggered by Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) withdrawing over disputes on asylum and immigration policy. The four-party alliance—PVV, BBB, NSC, and VVD—struggled with internal divisions despite PVV winning the most seats in 2023. Schoof, a technocratic leader and former intelligence chief, stepped down shortly after the breakdown.

Snap parliamentary elections are now scheduled for 29 October 2025, as confirmed by caretaker Interior Minister Judith Uitermark. The outcome is expected to influence the Netherlands’ future stance on migration and governance. The government will remain in a caretaker role until then.

Israel’s coalition under pressure; Netanyahu confirms arming Gaza factions against Hamas

Israel’s opposition has submitted a motion to dissolve parliament, aiming to trigger early elections amid internal tensions over proposed ultra-Orthodox military conscription. Yesh Atid, led by Yair Lapid, filed the motion on Wednesday (Jun. 4), with a preliminary vote expected next week. Ultra-Orthodox parties, holding 18 coalition seats, have boycotted key votes in protest.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israel is arming rival factions in Gaza to undermine Hamas, following reports of such groups looting aid convoys in Israeli-controlled areas. Critics, including Avigdor Lieberman, warn the weapons may backfire.

Poland elects PiS-backed Nawrocki in tight presidential run-off

Karol Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, narrowly won Poland’s presidential run-off with 50.9% of the vote, defeating pro-EU candidate Rafał Trzaskowski. Nawrocki, a historian and political newcomer, is expected to oppose Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s reform agenda, potentially causing institutional gridlock. 

His presidency may also shift Poland’s stance within the EU, particularly on judicial reforms and support for Ukraine. Nawrocki is seen as likely to use veto powers, echoing his PiS-aligned predecessor. Following the result, Tusk has called for a parliamentary confidence vote, testing his coalition’s stability ahead of the next election in 2027.

Lee Jae-myung wins South Korea’s presidential election after turbulent political period

Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s Democratic Party has won the presidency with 49.3% of the vote, defeating conservative candidate Kim Moon Soo. He will succeed outgoing president Yoon Suk Yeol marking a return to power for the liberal opposition. Lee, 60, is known for his anti-corruption stance and focus on reducing inequality, shaped by his rise from poverty. 

His win follows a turbulent term under Yoon, who faced backlash for imposing martial law in December. While Lee’s regional diplomacy has drawn scrutiny, he has affirmed support for the US–South Korea alliance. He begins a single five-year term under constitutional limits.

Modi inaugurates key railway project in Indian-administered Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a key railway line linking Jammu’s Udhampur to Srinagar, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by train for the first time. The 272-km route includes the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch—and the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. The project aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic development in the region.

Modi’s visit follows last month’s deadly attack near Pahalgam, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants. A brief military escalation ended with a ceasefire on May 10. The railway is part of India’s broader strategy to integrate Kashmir and assert control amid continued tensions with Pakistan.

Thailand and Cambodia border tensions escalate amid ongoing dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have increased their military deployments along a disputed section of their shared border following a deadly skirmish on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In response to what it describes as repeated incursions by Cambodian troops and civilians, the Thai government has announced plans to assume full control of all border checkpoints. While crossings remain open for now, officials have warned that tighter restrictions could be imposed depending on local security assessments.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet insists Cambodia seeks no conflict but will defend its sovereignty, while Thailand calls for dialogue ahead of a joint boundary commission meeting on June 14. Cambodia plans to refer unresolved border disputes to the International Court of Justice, but Thailand rejects this, preferring bilateral resolution.

Japan’s ispace suffers second lunar landing failure

Japanese space company ispace has confirmed its uncrewed lunar lander, Resilience, likely crashed during descent on Friday (Jun. 6)—its second failed landing after a 2023 attempt. The lander lost communication just before touchdown near the lunar north pole, likely due to altitude and descent control issues. It was carrying a Luxembourg-built rover and five external payloads worth $16 million.

Despite the setback, ispace says it remains financially stable, though its shares briefly halted amid a sell-off. Japan continues to support ispace’s role in lunar exploration, with future missions planned through 2029, including a NASA-linked launch in 2027.

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