This Month
‘An epic failure’: Russia reels from surprise Ukraine attack on bomber fleet
This week’s audacious drone raid threatens Moscow’s military operations and exposes vulnerability deep within its territory.
Despite Trump’s chaos, Hegseth spoke an uncomfortable truth on defence
Australia’s defence spending choices are being distorted by the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
May
‘Industrial level’: Germany to help Ukraine build long-range missiles
The new German leader has taken a strong line on supporting the fight to repel the Russian invasion, as the United States steps back.
Why Europe will never win a trade war with Trump
EU negotiators act as though they are dealing with an ally in trade talks with Washington. But the president only wants to pressure the EU into concessions.
Putin offers ‘serious talks’ with Ukraine but skirts truce
The Russian president proposed direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 that should be aimed at bringing a durable peace, an initiative welcomed by Donald Trump.
Australian defence start-ups target Europe as it rearms
Military technology firms are profiting from geopolitical instability, with Canberra-based Penten among those hoping to win contracts in the European market.
April
In Donald Trump we distrust – in record numbers
The Lowy Institute Poll, which has been tracking attitudes to foreign policy since 2005, this year recorded a dramatic 20-point drop in Australians’ trust in the United States to act responsibly.
Greenland embraces Danish PM after Vance’s disastrous visit
Mette Frederiksen was cheered upon her arrival in the Danish overseas territory, a visit that shows solidarity in the face of repeated US take-over threats.
March
Now ‘parasite’ Europe really knows what Trump thinks of it
Trump officials have demanded more European military spending and questioned the continent’s values. Leaked messages show the depth of the rift.
Trump downplays war chat leak as ‘only a glitch’
The president defended his national security adviser, batting away revelations that officials discussed military attacks on Yemen on a publicly available app.
Albanese stresses support for Ukraine in talks with Starmer
The UK prime minister led the talks and said a “coalition of the willing” of the willing was in operational planning for a Ukrainian peacekeeping force.
Zelensky heads to Saudi Arabia for US crunch talks
Ukraine’s president has been told he must be willing to cede land occupied by Russia if he wants Washington to lift its ban on weapons and intelligence sharing.
Europe’s welfare state is over
Europe must never again find itself in a position where the likes of US vice-president JD Vance have life-and-death power over it.
Is Taiwan next? China keenly watches Trump dump Ukraine
The US president’s dramatic meltdown with Volodymyr Zelensky raises urgent questions about whether America would support the island if Beijing invaded.
Albanese is as misinformed on the US alliance as live-fire drills
The petulant demand of tribute to the Trump empire and his transactional ethos surely now challenges the agreed balance sheet between Australia and America.
February
Chalmers straps in for trip to Trump World
The treasurer’s visit to Washington this week shows the difficulties of navigating the risks and presidential whims dominating any interaction with the Trump White House.
Zelensky offers to step down as president in exchange for peace
His offer to step aside follows reports last week that Ukraine may be forced to hold elections before any final deal is signed with Russia.
Russian wealth fund sees US companies returning in 2025
Some in Russia think economic ties will soon be resumed following the most senior US-Russia meeting this week on the Ukraine war since it began.
‘Long-stewing hostility’: Europe reels as Trump kills Western alliance
The European Union is rushing to form a response after J.D. Vance’s broadside cut Europe down to size and left leaders shocked.
‘Army of Europe’ needed to challenge Russia: Zelensky
The Ukraine president said the United States can no longer be counted on to support the continent under Donald Trump.