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Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.
A powerful El Niño event is increasingly likely this year, with forecasters putting the odds at roughly 80 percent by July. If it develops into a so-called "super" El Niño, the world could face intensified droughts, floods, and heat across multiple continents. Scientists are watching closely, as the timing would compound already record-breaking global temperatures.
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Putin has ordered his military to draw up retaliation options following a drone strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk, that left six dead and dozens wounded, with 15 people still missing. The Russian president insisted Ukrainian forces knew precisely what they were targeting, framing the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians. Ukraine's military denied responsibility, countering that its forces had targeted a legitimate military objective.
Read article →Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is calling for renewed momentum in diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia, signaling he anticipates fresh proposals from Washington on restructuring peace negotiations. The statement underscores growing pressure on the U.S. to take a more active role in shaping the path toward a ceasefire. How Washington responds could define the next phase of the conflict's diplomatic trajectory.
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China is accelerating its shift away from Middle Eastern oil by expanding coal-chemical production in Xinjiang, using domestic resources to insulate its economy from war-driven supply disruptions. The Changji region has become a cornerstone of this strategy, converting coal into chemicals and fuels that would otherwise depend on imported petroleum. The move signals a significant reshaping of global energy trade flows, with China reducing its exposure to volatile oil markets while deepening reliance on its most carbon-intensive resource.
Read article →The US is temporarily halting a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, with Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao citing the ongoing conflict with Iran as the reason for the pause. The decision comes amid conflicting signals from President Trump on whether the sale will ultimately proceed. The move raises fresh questions about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense at a moment of heightened regional tension.
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