Hook News Brief | 26.06.25
NATO members agree on 5% spending; Reiterate “ironclad commitment” to collective defence
NATO allies have agreed to massively boost military spending while affirming their “ironclad commitment” to collective defence. Leaders from the 32-member bloc pledged to allocate up to 5% of their national GDP to defence and related sectors by 2035, describing the move as a “quantum leap” in collective security.
US President Donald Trump described the decision as a "big win for Europe and... Western civilisation" and notably added "I stand with [Article Five], that's why I'm here." In a joint statement, members said they were united against "profound" security challenges, singling out the "long-term threat posed by Russia" and terrorism.
In their final communique, NATO member states stressed their commitments to providing support for Ukraine, "whose security contributes to ours". Further adding that direct contributions to Kyiv's defence and its defence industry would be included in assessment of allies' defence spending.
Pam Bondi unaware of reports of ICE agents wearing masks during raids
Moving on, US Attorney General Pam Bondi has claimed she was unaware of reports of immigration officials hiding their faces with masks during roundups of undocumented people. This despite widespread video evidence and reports that they are instilling pervasive fear and panic.
Whilst reiterating her ignorance, Bondi suggested it might have been for self-protection.
Trump slams Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York
Staying with the US, Trump has weighed in on Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York in a post to Truth Social. Trump declared that “the Democrats have crossed the line” while calling Mamdani “a 100% Communist Lunatic” who looks terrible and is “not very smart”. Adding that “this is a big moment in the History of our Country!”
Kenya: At least 8 killed in anti-government protests
Shifting focus to Africa - at least eight people have been killed and 400 injured as thousands took to the streets in a day of protests across Kenya against President William Ruto's government.
The clash with the police in the capital Nairobi and other cities came exactly a year on from the wave of deadly anti-government demonstrations that hit the nation in 2024.
Many of those demonstrating chanted "Ruto must go" and waved branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule. Moreover the government had banned live TV and radio coverage of the protests, but its decree was overturned by the High Court.
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