NEW: Sudan's Army has seized the central bank HQs, a day after taking full control of the presidential palace, marking a major gain against the RSF in the ongoing conflict.

NEW: Two Egyptian security sources reported that Egypt proposed a timeline for the release of the remaining hostages, linked to a deadline for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, with U.S. guarantees ensuring compliance.

Trump's Envoy Witkoff:

Presiden Trump had a great conversation with Erdogan a couple of days ago, really transformational I would describe it.

I think it’s been underreported to tell you the truth.

There’s just a lot of good positive news coming out of Turkey right now as a result of that conversation.

I think you’ll see that in the reporting in the coming days.

Trump's Envoy Witkoff on Europe, Russia and Ukraine:

There's this notion that we've all gotta be like Winston Churchill, Russians are going to march across Europe...

I think that’s preposterous. Russians don't want to march across Europe, 100%.

Why would they want to absorb Ukraine? For what purpose? They don’t need to absorb Ukraine that would be that would be like occupying Gaza.

Why do Israelies really want to occupy Gaza for the rest of their lives? They don’t. They want stability there.

Russians also have what they want. They’ve reclaimed these five regions. They have Crimea and they’ve gotten what they want.

So why do they need more?

Sudan Army Advances in Khartoum

Sudanese Army has captured several key locations in Khartoum within the last 24 hours, marking a significant push against the RSF.

Captured sites include:
✅ Al-Mak Nimr Bridge
✅ Kuwaiti Towers
✅ Presidential Palace
✅ Central Bank of Sudan
✅ Bayan University
✅ National Museum

China May Join Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission

China is being considered for participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

Chinese representatives held informal talks in Brussels, exploring how European nations would react to their involvement.

Source: Welt am Sonntag

Talks between Starlink and the Italian government have stalled, Italy’s Defense Minister Crosetto said, citing geopolitical tensions and Musk’s public statements as factors.

Italy’s €1.5 billion, five-year deal with Starlink aimed to provide secure satellite communication for its military and diplomats.

Russia and Ukraine will take part in US-brokered ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, but not in direct negotiations.

Discussions will focus on a ceasefire in the Black Sea, but broader peace remains elusive.

Russia wants an end to Western aid; Ukraine wants an unconditional ceasefire. Europe is being sidelined as the US takes the lead on negotiations.

Who will attend meetings as intermediaries:

- Russia: Grigory Karasin (foreign affairs senator) & Sergei Beseda (FSB adviser).
- Ukraine: Defence Minister Rustem Umerov & Pavlo Palisa (Presidential Office).
- US mediators: Michael Anton (State Department), aides to Keith Kellogg (Trump's envoy).

Source: WP

Chinese PLA Air Force J-16 showcases ultra-low-altitude flight over the beach.

Trump on F-47:

This is level 6. It is virtually unseeable.

Its speed is top… it’s over 2.

Columbia University Bow Down to Trump

Columbia University has agreed to several Trump administration demands to regain federal funding, which was cut over alleged tolerance of antisemitism.

The school’s concessions include:

• Middle East Program Review: A senior administrator will oversee key Middle East-focused academic programs.

• Security Measures: Columbia hired 36 peace officers with arrest powers.

• Protest Regulations: The university affirmed existing restrictions on demonstrations.

• Face Mask Policy: While banning masks used for rule-breaking, Columbia did not fully comply with the ID visibility requirement.

The Trump administration has warned at least 60 other universities of similar action. Federal negotiations remain ongoing.

The Lebanese army has closed four illegal border crossings in Mashrouat Al-Qaa and Al-Qasr-Hermel to stop infiltration and smuggling.

Hezbollah-linked smugglers and clans have been smuggling weapons, drugs, and fighters into Syria from these areas.

Trump on F-47 jet:

We gave out the world's greatest fighter jet by far, they say.

It’s the best now, but that doesn’t mean in five years it’ll be totally obsolete, I guess. But that’s the way it works.

M23's mining revenue has significantly increased following its seizure of Walikale.

Walikale, which fell under M23 control recently, is rich in tin and gold. These resources are critical to various industries, most significantly food packaging and electronics.

Considering production data from 2019-2023, the commercialization of metals from the Walikale mines by M23 could result in an estimated revenue of $30 million.

The Rubaya coltan mine, under the control of M23, yields a monthly revenue of $800,000 from coltan.

Source: SCMP, IPIS, Global Initiative,

14-year-old Ukrainian girl was reportedly coerced by the Russia's FSB into planning a terrorist attack in Ternopil, Ukraine after being blackmailed with compromising nude photos.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and National Police detained her, preventing the attack.

Trump's Envoy Witkoff:

Putin is a very smart guy.

Someone told to me: "You gotta watch it, he's an ex KGB guy. He could be looking to manipulate you."

Here's how I see it: In the old days, the only people went into the KGB were the smartest people in the nation.

He’s a super smart guy. OK. You don’t wanna give him the credit, that’s OK. I give him the credit.

Russian Su-34 jet lands without landing gear.