According to official data from the Romanian Electoral Commission, based on 98 percent of the votes counted in the second round of the presidential elections, Nicușor Dan won with 54.27 percent of voter support.

His opponent, the Eurosceptic right-winger George Simion, received 45.73 percent of the Romanian vote, reports Digi24.

Who Is Nicușor Dan?

Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician, ran as an independent candidate and pledged to tackle corruption.

Dan, who has served as the mayor of Bucharest since 2020, is known for his technocratic style and anti-corruption stance. He built his political career on promises of reform and transparency.

He first gained national prominence more than a decade ago as the founder of the association "Save Bucharest", a civic initiative aimed at protecting the Romanian capital from poor urban planning and corrupt local administration. The group's success catapulted him into politics, where he quickly became a leading figure in Romania’s modern reformist movement.

As a strong advocate of the European Union, Dan has repeatedly emphasized Romania's commitment to Ukraine, stating that such support is vital for safeguarding Romania's national security in the face of Russian aggression.

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After the polls closed, Dan stated that "elections are not for politicians" but for communities, and that in the latest vote, "the community of Romanians won—a community that wants deep changes in Romania."

"When Romania is going through hard times, let us remember the strength of this Romanian society," he said.

"There is also a community that lost today's election—a community that is rightfully bitter about the way politics has been conducted in Romania so far," Dan added.

In the first round held two weeks ago, Simion, the Eurosceptic leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, delivered a surprisingly strong performance with nearly 41 percent of the vote.

Dan, the independent candidate who entered the race as the mayor of Bucharest, received nearly 21 percent of the vote.

Former U.S. President Joseph Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer on Friday.

According to The New York Times, the diagnosis was made after doctors found a "small nodule" on Biden’s prostate.

His family has since issued a statement regarding the situation.

"Last week, President Joe Biden underwent an examination due to a newly detected nodule on the prostate after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Group 5) with bone metastases," the statement read.

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"Although this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective treatment."

Biden and his family are "discussing treatment options with his doctors," the statement concluded.

Germany and other European countries are announcing investments of up to five percent of GDP in the military. Who are the continent’s major military powers, where are their strengths, and where are their weaknesses?

Berlin is increasing defense spending, not so much because American President Donald Trump demands it, but because there is growing awareness in Germany that military aggression cannot be stopped with kind words alone.

This is roughly how Germany’s new Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, announced that the new German government should invest up to five percent of GDP in defense. He made this statement at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya, Turkey – reports RTS.

According to the minister, Germany supports NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's proposal to allocate 3.5 percent for military needs and an additional 1.5 percent for defense infrastructure.

The final decisions and plans of all NATO members will likely be announced at the NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz also stated in his address to the Bundestag that he wants the Bundeswehr to become “Europe’s strongest conventional army.”

But other European countries are also setting ambitious goals.

Poland: Bastion on the Eastern Flank

Poland has been investing heavily in its armed forces for years, aiming to become the strongest land force in Europe. Last year, 4.12 percent of GDP went into the defense budget.

Warsaw’s main goal is to be armed effectively enough so that Russia wouldn't even consider threatening its territory.

The Polish military currently consists of about 150,000 soldiers in the professional army and territorial defense. By 2035, that number is expected to rise to 300,000.

Modern military equipment is being acquired – over 600 tanks, ordered in part from South Korea and the U.S., HIMARS rocket systems, drones, and in the future, F-35 fighter jets are expected to equip Poland’s infantry and air force.

On the other hand, the Polish navy is considered relatively weak.

Germany: From Hesitation to Leadership

The announced increase in defense spending to five percent of GDP would mark a historic shift in Germany’s security policy.

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Since the end of the Cold War, the Federal Republic of Germany has emphasized international cooperation, diplomacy, and a “culture of military restraint.” A turning point came with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s speech on February 27, 2022, three days after Russia’s attack on Ukraine, known as the "Zeitenwende" (new era).

Soon after, the German government established a special €100 billion fund for the Bundeswehr. Regular defense expenditures for 2024 amount to about €90 billion, or around 2.1 percent of GDP. An increase to five percent would mean an annual defense budget of over €160 billion.

Doubling expenses would undoubtedly put a heavy burden on the national budget, and additional funds are not yet secured.

The Bundeswehr currently has around 182,000 active soldiers. The Ministry of Defense plans to increase this number to at least 203,000 by 2031, with occasional mentions of a target of 240,000.

Modernization covers all branches of the military – old tanks, planes, and warships need replacement, with emphasis on digitization and improving the command chain, as much of Germany’s arsenal exists “only on paper” due to past budget shortfalls.

Key industrial players in Germany are Rheinmetall, Airbus Defence and Space, and Diehl Group, but international cooperation is increasingly prominent in the sector, especially since exports are extremely important.

France: A Nuclear Power with Global Ambitions

France is the only nuclear power in the EU and follows a strategy of global presence and military autonomy. The army includes about 203,000 soldiers, 175,000 gendarmerie forces, and around 26,000 reservists.

The French navy operates the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and strategic submarines, providing significant nuclear capability. Rafale fighter jets secure air superiority and are also equipped for nuclear deployment.

President Emmanuel Macron has significantly increased the defense budget since taking office in 2017. In a dramatic televised address in early March, he spoke in detail about the “Russian threat” looming over Europe. Consequently, the French defense budget is expected to nearly double.

France has historically had a military budget similar to Germany’s but has built a more combat-effective army – thanks in part to strong state support for the defense industry and public ownership.

United Kingdom: Well-Armed but Vulnerable

With a goal of nearly 2.4 percent of GDP, the UK also plans to increase defense spending, focusing on high-tech equipment, drones, artificial intelligence, and laser systems.

The Royal Navy has two aircraft carriers, though only one is operational. The air force is highly modernized – its core includes American F-35B fighter jets, with the British government planning to purchase a total of 138 units.

However, the British armed forces, with around 140,000 active soldiers (including 4,000 Gurkhas), are relatively small. Unlike many EU countries, significant personnel increases are not currently planned.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizes alliance loyalty and global intervention readiness. The UK military relies heavily on American technology, especially regarding submarine-based nuclear weapons.

Italy: Strong at Sea and in the Air, Weak on Land

At 1.49 percent of GDP, according to NATO data for 2024, Italy still falls short of the traditional two percent target.

Still, with 165,000 active troops, two aircraft carriers, and a powerful air force including Eurofighters and F-35s, Italy belongs to Europe’s heavier military category.

However, ground forces are considered outdated and in urgent need of reform. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni aims to make Italy Europe’s strongest tank force.

Over 1,000 combat and multipurpose tanks have been ordered from Rheinmetall for that purpose. Italy’s strategic focus is the Mediterranean and the security of global trade routes.

Global Power Balance Remains Unchanged

Despite billions of euros invested in European armaments, the global military power hierarchy is unlikely to change significantly in the medium term. The U.S., Russia, China, and India remain at the top.

The leading European power – the United Kingdom – ranks only sixth. France follows in ninth place, while Germany currently occupies the eleventh position.

The Global Firepower platform compares military strength based on over 60 indicators – from tank numbers and naval capacity to the size of the fit military population – to create a comprehensive picture of global military power.

At the 10th International Military Intelligent Technology Expo (CMITE 2025), opened in Beijing, more than 500 Chinese companies showcased cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-drone defense systems, highlighting the growing importance of these technologies in modern warfare. Particularly eye-catching were innovative drones that mimic birds, as well as smart automated platforms designed to neutralize them.

Bird-like Drones – Invisible and Deadly

One of the most impressive exhibits were the so-called ornithopters – drones that imitate bird flight by flapping their wings, achieving near-perfect biomimicry. According to Chinese manufacturers, these devices are almost undetectable to human observers and conventional radar, making them ideal for reconnaissance, infiltration, and combat missions, reports Global Times via Nova.

The smallest model, resembling a magpie, weighs only 90 grams, can be launched by hand, and is equipped with a miniature camera for live video transmission. Thanks to its size and quietness, it is ideal for urban reconnaissance and missions where stealth is crucial.

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Larger models, inspired by gulls, hawks, and eagles, can carry heavier payloads and have longer flight times. For instance, an eagle-like drone has a wingspan of two meters, weighs about 3.6 kilograms, has an autonomy of 40 minutes, and an operational range of six to eight kilometers. It can be equipped with micro-munitions featuring precision guidance, enabling accurate strikes from the air.

Notably, each drone’s design can be customized to imitate local bird species, allowing them to blend more easily into the natural environment.

“Hummingbird” Coaxial Drone – A Portable Killer

Another interesting model showcased at the expo is the hummingbird, a coaxial drone resembling a vacuum flask. It weighs 10 kilograms and can carry up to three kilograms of payload – including 60 mm and 82 mm mortar shells. The hummingbird can fly for 24 minutes and is designed for quick assembly and disassembly, making it highly suitable for infantry units. One soldier can carry four to five units.

Thanks to its folding wings and modular construction, the Hummingbird can be launched in swarms, enabling tactical saturation and precision airstrikes without relying on expensive aviation assets.

AI-Powered Automated Stations

CMITE 2025 was not only about drone presentation – a special section of the expo focused on anti-drone defense systems. The standout among them is the K-25, a remotely operated combat station that can be mounted on vehicles or directly on the ground.

Equipped with standard 5.8 mm automatic rifles, the K-25 uses an intelligent fire control system capable of automatic target recognition, tracking, and engagement. In triple burst mode, the platform has a 90% hit probability against small drone-sized targets at 200 meters, and over 90% for stationary human-sized targets at 400 meters.

The station can operate via wired or wireless control, keeping operators out of potential danger zones. Additionally, multiple units can be networked into a single fire grid linked to a drone detection system, creating an efficient and flexible defense zone.

Warfare of the Future: Blurring the Line Between Nature and Technology

By introducing ornithopters and other biomimetic systems into real military use, China demonstrates its resolve to push the boundaries of traditional warfare. These systems pose new challenges for identification and neutralization of targets, as they increasingly resemble natural phenomena.

Although these drones are still in a phase of intensive development and testing, it is clear that their deployment in real combat situations is not far off. Chinese experts are already discussing their potential for psychological operations, deep reconnaissance, precision strikes, and tactical saturation of enemy systems.

CMITE 2025 not only showcased technological advancements but also highlighted a new philosophy of modern warfare – where recognizability fades and the boundaries between nature and machine become nearly invisible.

At least 146 Palestinians have been killed in the past 24 hours in the Gaza Strip during new intense attacks by the Israeli Air Force, according to Palestinian health authorities.

The intense Israeli offensive that has been ongoing since Thursday is one of the deadliest phases of bombing since Israel broke the ceasefire, reports Reuters.

The latest attacks came after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East tour yesterday without any visible progress toward a new ceasefire.

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The director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, Marwan Al-Sultan, said that 58 bodies have been brought to the hospital since midnight, with many more trapped under rubble.

"The situation in the hospital is catastrophic," said Al-Sultan. Local health authorities reported that 459 people have been injured in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours.

The Israeli military announced today that it is conducting extensive attacks and mobilizing troops as part of preparations to expand operations in the Gaza Strip and achieve "operational control" in areas of the Palestinian enclave.

The healthcare system in Gaza is barely functional, as Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals during the nineteen-month war, and medical supplies have run out due to Israel tightening the blockade on humanitarian aid since March.

Kiefersfelden! This place in Bavaria has a warm ring for many German tourists. Coming from Munich, the highway winds southeast towards the Alps.

And beyond Kiefersfelden lies Austria. After crossing the Brenner Pass, the mountains attract attention, maybe even Italy. Beyond Kiefersfelden, the holiday begins — the most beautiful weeks of the year start here.

Now, the new German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stands in Kiefersfelden, speaking about how new rules have been in effect at the border for a week. He is joined by his party colleague, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, Federal Police Chief Dieter Romann, and numerous journalists. Heavy rain is falling.

For a week now, says Dobrindt, Germany’s borders — not just here in Bavaria — are being monitored even more strictly. The new government had already announced during the election campaign its fight against illegal migration, and now it wants to implement it.
Unlike previous practice, asylum seekers are now being rejected at the border and not allowed into the country. Exceptions are made only for certain groups, such as pregnant women and children, reports Danas.rs.

Dobrindt: "We will stop these criminal activities!"

For years, the rule was: anyone who arrived in Germany, by any means, and declared an intention to apply for asylum, was allowed to enter the country. That is now changing. When asked by DW reporters what exactly is changing and what message the new government is sending, Dobrindt replied: "I want to tell everyone who thinks they can profit from human suffering by smuggling people into other countries that we will do everything to stop these criminal activities."

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The CSU politician then adds proudly: Since the new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) took office, 739 attempts at illegal entry have been prevented. Just a week earlier, there were only 511 — an increase of 45 percent. This is possible, says Dobrindt, only because an additional 3,000 police officers have been deployed at the border. Previously, there were 11,000; now there are 14,000.

Some of them now stand behind or next to the minister, to whom he directly addresses his gratitude for their work, which, he emphasizes, often lasts 12 hours a day. Dobrindt acknowledges that Federal Police Chief Romann, who is also present in Kiefersfelden, has been pointing out the overload of his personnel for months. The previous government, consisting of SPD, Greens, and FDP, had already begun intensified border controls.

Dobrindt expresses his great respect for the police officers' work: "I would like the respect we are expressing today to be shown more often and more clearly in society. These are our policewomen and policemen who take care of our security in Germany. They ensure we act decisively against criminal smuggling gangs."

A Reckoning with Angela Merkel's Asylum Policy

Criminal smugglers, illegal migration — Dobrindt constantly uses these terms. The new strictness towards migrants is also a final break with the policy of former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). In 2015 and 2016, she allowed hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and many African countries to enter, saying: "We can manage this."

Although the new Chancellor Merz emphasized in his Bundestag speech earlier this week that Germany remains a country of immigration, Dobrindt now formulates things somewhat differently in Kiefersfelden, saying that the police will now, in a "combination of humanity and order," pay more attention to order. To this end, more drones, thermal cameras, and helicopters will be used.

Tusk to Merz: "AfD is your problem!"

During the election campaign, new Chancellor Merz promised to introduce a different migration policy on his very first day in office — probably also due to the success of the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been gaining support with its strong opposition to any form of migration.

However, the new German toughness has not been well received everywhere in Europe. During his visit to Polish President Donald Tusk, Merz was told that the eastern neighbor also wants to fight illegal migration — but at the EU's external borders, not at the German-Polish border. Poland will not accept refugees from Germany, Tusk said, addressing Merz directly: "AfD is your problem, Mr. Chancellor," he added.

Merz politely replied: "We want to jointly develop a European migration and asylum policy and will conduct border controls in a way that is acceptable to our neighbors."

Upon returning from Kiefersfelden, Minister Dobrindt announced that the new government would continue on this path: voluntary intake programs will be abolished, and people with special so-called subsidiary protection status will no longer be allowed to bring family members to Germany.

A Russian strike on a minibus carrying civilians in northern Ukraine killed nine people and wounded four, regional authorities reported today, a day after talks between Russians and Ukrainians failed to reach a ceasefire agreement.

“An enemy drone hit a bus near Bilopillia, killing nine people and wounding four,” the military administration of the Sumy border region wrote on Telegram, alongside photos of the minibus wreckage on the road.

The vehicle was heading towards Sumy, the source said, after previously announcing a Russian attack on a bus transporting civilians.

In the Sumy region, which borders Russia, Russian shelling has intensified since Ukrainian forces were expelled from Russia's Kursk region in early March. In the summer of 2024, Ukrainians had briefly captured a small part of that territory opposite Sumy.

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Yesterday in Istanbul, Russians and Ukrainians, during their first peace talks since spring 2022, agreed to exchange a thousand prisoners each, according to Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky.

The meeting ended without the announcement of a ceasefire, which Kyiv and its allies have designated as a priority.

Both sides now need to draft a detailed proposal for such a ceasefire, Vladimir Medinsky said in a brief statement to reporters.

The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, and Medinsky also mentioned that the Ukrainian side raised the possibility of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would be their first meeting since the start of the Russian invasion. Russian negotiator Medinsky said that "Moscow has taken note of this request."

Three Nazi extremists who amassed an arsenal of 200 weapons and discussed attacks on mosques and synagogues in England have been convicted of plotting a terrorist attack.

Among the seized weapons was a 3D-printed gun that was nearly operational. The planned attack was thwarted when an undercover police inspector infiltrated the self-proclaimed Nazi cell, according to The Guardian.

The three men are Christopher Ringrouz (34) from Cannock, Marco Picetu (25) from Derby, and Brogan Stuart (25) from West Yorkshire, who formed a virtual cell and never met in person.

They admired Adolf Hitler, spread anti-immigrant rhetoric, shared materials from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and discussed attacks on locations frequented by migrants in the UK.

The jury at Sheffield Crown Court found them guilty of multiple terrorism-related offenses and weapons possession, with the judge warning them to expect long prison sentences.

Their arsenal included deactivated guns they attempted to restore, crossbows, hunting knives, and tomahawks.

The 3D-printed gun was made following instructions found online and required only a firing pin, bolt, and barrel to become a deadly weapon.

They identified an Islamic center in Leeds as a target and discussed kidnapping and torturing an imam, planned routes, methods of evasion, and escape plans.

Stuart declared himself the "führer" (leader) and imposed rules for group members to wear Nazi uniforms.

He named the group "Einsatz 14," referring to Nazi death squads, and appointed Picetu and Ringrouz as "armament officers."

Believing in racial war, the group criticized other far-right groups for not taking action.

Using Telegram, a messaging app, Stuart wrote that other far-right groups "just sit and talk."

"I want to gather my group because actions speak louder than words," he wrote.

Stuart added: "I'd also like to beat up gays" and "I want to storm government buildings and hang politicians. The government is full of Jews and other enemies."

They were arrested on February 20, 2024, after the group was infiltrated by an undercover officer codenamed "Blackheart."

Their intended targets for harassment and attacks included mosques, Islamic educational centers, and synagogues.

Inspired by SS Units

Ringrouz, a manager at an auto parts company, posted a photo of his one-year-old son wearing a skull mask with the caption "choose violence," while Picetu, a mechanic, shared footage of the Christchurch mosque massacre.

Stuart, the self-proclaimed leader, had never held a job and lived with his mother.

In a group phone call on February 5, two weeks before their arrest, Stuart outlined an attack plan involving "cruising around" looking for "human targets" near an Islamic educational center, "doing what needs to be done, then coming to mine for tea, medals, and debrief."

Stuart wanted the group to "socialize, bond, and strengthen their brotherhood." The meeting was canceled due to bad weather.

At the trial's opening, prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC said: "The defendants identified potential locations and targets, and the imminent threat of an attack was the reason for their arrest."

The court noted that Stuart said about the group's ideology: "Personally, I found inspiration in the SS" and added: "I hope we can blackmail political opponents and perhaps plan operations to deal with migrants arriving on our shores."

Detective Chief Inspector James Dunkerley, head of the Northern Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "This was a group that propagated vile racist views and advocated violence to support their extreme right-wing beliefs. All three took concrete steps in the real world to plan and prepare an attack on innocent citizens."

Bethan David, head of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Prosecution Service, said: "These extremists planned violent terrorist acts against synagogues, mosques, and an Islamic educational center.

By their own admission, they were inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology.

'Had Christopher Ringrouz succeeded in completing the semi-automatic firearm with a 3D printer, the consequences could have been catastrophic,' she stated.

Their sentencing is scheduled for July 17.