German AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla on Israel:

We must be allowed to criticize an Israeli government.

What happened in the Middle East, in Gaza, is something I criticize, and our party criticizes as well, because it is not in accordance with international law.

We should abandon these double standards.

If we speak of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which it is, then we must also speak of Israel's wars that violate international law, including what is happening in Lebanon.

Putin once again shows up in military uniform.

Putin:

Whenever we achieve a military victory in the field, we must register and consolidate that arena of victory into an arena of political victory as well.

We must turn it into a document of defeat for the enemy, and get the concessions we need to strengthen ourselves.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

I find it entirely understandable and justified that Ukraine, for its part, attacks targets in Russia that impair the Russian government's and the Russian army's ability to wage war.

This applies both to communications and to energy supplies.

These are apparently the only means Ukraine has to make Russia understand that it is genuinely prepared to defend itself.

Putin:

We cannot fail to note the effectiveness of our strikes against the enemy’s military-industrial facilities and logistics centers.

I positively assess the results that the Chief of the General Staff has just reported.

However, we need to enhance the effectiveness of protecting our civilian—primarily civilian, but also military—facilities.

Q: You want Zelensky out. Have you forgotten that Putin started the war?

Trump: I know the details, okay? And at some point, I'll release the details.

Trump:

The Biden administration was very corrupt. Hunter Biden and the father, the whole group, very corrupt people.

Q: Do you think that Saudi Arabia should accept the help that Israel is offering to fight the Houthi rebels?

Trump: Yeah, I do. I think they will. Israel has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia.

Q: Are the Abraham Accords back on the table with Saudi Arabia?

Trump: Yeah, I think so. Maybe more than ever.

Saudi Arabia is very happy to have Israel's support and our support.

Q: Was it you or was it Elon Musk who decided to temporarily pause Starlink access for the Ukrainian military?

Trump: Well, I don't know if it was anybody, because it wasn't me. And I don't think it was Elon.

And from what I understand, it's the same as it's always been.

Trump:

I have a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. And Saudi Arabia is going to be very good.

Trump:

Putin wants to end the war.

Katie Zacharia will likely leave her new job within “a few days.”

Source: Axios, Barak Ravid

NEW: Trump fired his new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, today, just five days into the job.

Source: NYT

British Army chief General Sir Roly Walker says UK political leaders will soon begin a "frank conversation" with the public about preparing for war.

He warns that citizens must be ready to make sacrifices, prioritize defense and security, and play their part in supporting the military.

French President Macron on Ukraine:

The message from Europeans is clear: We will not abandon Ukraine and the Ukrainians.

This is a war of resistance against Russia's war of aggression.

At a time when there have been ambiguities or certain failures, Europe's role is to stand firm, because Europe's security and the defense of international principles are at stake.

French President Macron on Ukraine:

Russia, through its actions, is preventing Ukrainian grain from leaving.

Ukraine has had one of its record harvests, which helps feed many developing and poor countries. I'm thinking of Egypt and many other African countries.

Today, Russia is choosing to starve these countries and impoverish Ukraine.

We will respond to that, but it is criminal in every respect.

French President Macron:

We need to restore trust and clarity. There has been a lot of debate about satellite imagery and early-warning systems.

We need to clarify that debate, and we will help clarify it so that there is certainty and full support.