Thailand's Shinawatra dynasty faces triple court test that could upend politics
Thailand’s Shinawatra family faces a decisive political test as courts prepare rulings that could threaten both Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, Reuters reported.
On Friday, judges will rule on whether Thaksin insulted the monarchy during a 2015 interview, an offence carrying up to 15 years in prison per count. Days later, another court will consider whether his 2023 hospital detention meant he avoided serving part of his sentence for abuse of power.
Separately, Paetongtarn could be unseated over an alleged ethics violation. Unfavorable verdicts would weaken the family’s influence, risk an early election, and further strain Thailand’s fragile economy. Analysts say the ruling Pheu Thai party is unlikely to regain its former electoral strength, Reuters reported.
Hungary ready to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks, foreign minister says
Hungary is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Thursday, after reports that Budapest is the White House’s preferred venue for a possible summit with Presidents Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Reuters reported.
Szijjarto dismissed claims that Trump called Prime Minister Viktor Orban about Ukraine’s EU bid, insisting “there was no such call.” The White House confirmed the two leaders spoke Monday about Ukraine’s accession talks and the option of Budapest hosting negotiations.
Netherlands sending 300 troops, Patriot missile systems to Poland
Netherlands will send 300 troops and Patriot air defense systems to Poland to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and secure supply routes to Ukraine, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said Wednesday. He stressed the forces will operate only in Poland, not Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.
The announcement came after a suspected Russian drone struck eastern Poland, causing damage but no casualties. Warsaw called it a provocation.
Germany has also deployed Eurofighter jets and troops to Poland and Romania, with some jets responding to Russian air strikes near Ukraine this week, according to Al Jazeera.
Europe must shoulder ‘lion’s share’ of Ukraine’s security, Vance says
US Vice President JD Vance said European countries will have to shoulder the “lion’s share” of guaranteeing Ukraine’s security in the event of a deal to end Russia’s war in the country, arguing that the United States cannot “carry the burden” alone.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance stressed that Washington is open to supporting efforts to end the war but expects Europe to play the central role. He said President Donald Trump shares this view, making clear that no commitments will be made until negotiations show what is needed to stop the fighting.
Vance added that progress has been made, with Russians and Ukrainians now discussing practical steps to halt the war, though the final outcome remains uncertain, Fox News reported.
