Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Trump Claims He Will Void Biden Documents Signed with Autopen 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all NATO members are expected to agree on a defense spending goal of 5% of GDP by the 2025 NATO Summit in June. Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Rubio emphasized the growing commitment among allies to bolster defense budgets amid rising global tensions.
Rubio noted that nearly every NATO country will meet or exceed the current 2% defense spending benchmark, with many already approaching or surpassing 4%. He stressed that the collective goal is for all members to reach 5% of GDP over the next decade.
The move comes in response to long-standing pressure from the United States, particularly from President Donald Trump, who during his 2017–2021 term criticized NATO allies for not sharing the defense burden. Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to the alliance.
In a show of support, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently said Berlin backs Trump’s push for increased defense investment. Germany confirmed in January that it met the 2% spending target in 2024, marking a significant shift in its defense policy.
The 2025 NATO Summit is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands from June 24 to 25. The summit is expected to be a pivotal moment for the alliance, highlighting a unified front in response to growing geopolitical threats, including from Russia and China.
As NATO recalibrates its strategic priorities, the 5% defense spending goal signals a significant evolution in alliance policy, underscoring a renewed emphasis on collective security and preparedness. The upcoming summit will likely cement this historic shift in defense commitment among NATO members.
