NATO summit reaffirms collective defence, omits criticism of Russia
NATO allies, including the USA, have reaffirmed their ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defence at a brief summit in The Hague. The final five‑paragraph communiqué emphasised unity, describing Russia as a ‘long‑term threat’ but stopping short of explicitly condemning its invasion of Ukraine, marking a shift from prior statements. In the only reference to the war, it said: ‘Allies reaffirm their enduring sovereign commitments to provide support to Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours.’ It also reaffirmed NATO’s founding tenet, that an attack on one is an attack on all, despite Trump hinting at differing definitions. A notable commitment was a pledge to raise defence investment to 5% of GDP by 2035. The toned‑down language and ambitious new spending target reflect tensions within the alliance. Meanwhile, on 24 June seventeen people were killed and over a hundred injured in a daytime Russian airstrike: see
Greece: five wildfires break out on Chios
A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Chios as five separate wildfires, fanned by strong winds, are ravaging homes, farms, and infrastructure. The fires broke out within hours of each other, prompting the evacuation of seventeen communities. The authorities have launched an arson investigation, citing the suspicious timing and clustering of the blazes. They have caused widespread damage, destroying homes and cutting power across the island. Nearly two hundred firefighters, backed by aircraft and helicopters, are tackling the flames, with ninety more en route from Athens and Thessaloniki. Residents have joined in the firefighting effort, using buckets and makeshift equipment. This is the first major wildfire this summer for Greece, which is no stranger to devastating fires and extreme heat.
Venice: Jeff Bezos forced by protesters to change wedding plans
Protesters in Venice have claimed an ‘enormous victory’ after forcing US billionaire Jeff Bezos and guests to move their wedding celebration away from the city centre. The three‑day event, featuring A‑list guests like Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio, sparked anger over the overt display of wealth and the strain caused by such a huge event. The group No Space for Bezos, supported by activists and environmental campaigners, celebrated the shift as a symbolic win for locals against wealthy elites. One activist said it demonstrated how ordinary citizens can challenge even the powerful. Venice, grappling with rising seas and rising rents, has long been a flashpoint for debates about sustainable tourism and economic equity. City authorities criticised the protest, citing the benefits that wealthy visitors bring. Yet activists insist that the issues of over‑crowding, rising costs, and climate vulnerability must be addressed. The wedding itself will of course proceed, but for many Venetians, this moment has highlighted urgent questions about the future of their historic city.
Iran: Trump admits to doubt on damage to Iran’s nuclear sites
After a US bombing campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, Donald Trump and US defence secretary Pete Hegseth offered conflicting assessments of its impact. At first, Trump claimed total obliteration, later suggesting the damage might have been ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’, while a leaked Pentagon assessment concluded the setback was only a matter of months. CIA director John Ratclife insisted that critical sites like Fordow had been rendered inoperable for years, while Israel announced that the strikes had pushed Iran’s programme back significantly. Meanwhile, questions emerged about Iran’s highly enriched uranium, some of which appears to have been moved prior to the attacks. The IAEA warned that different estimates of how long it will take Iran to rebuild distracted from the larger issue of long‑term non‑proliferation, and the risk of Iran expelling inspectors and leaving the non-proliferation treaty altogether.
