Finland and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning quality assurance in the defence materiel sector, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release on Friday. The Memorandum of Understanding deals with quality assurance practices in defence industrial production and provides a framework for cooperation between Finland and Ukraine. “Defence materiel cooperation between Finland and Ukraine strengthens the security of both countries. The Memorandum of Understanding concerning quality assurance is a concrete step forward in the increasingly close defence industry cooperation between our countries,” said Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen in the press release.

---

Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday laughed off ideas that he could struggle for fitness at the World Cup due to his age, reported Xinhua. The 41-year-old, who has played 227 times for his country, will lead Portugal in his sixth World Cup finals. Speaking to the press on Friday ahead of his side's departure to the United States, he responded sharply to questions over whether he was still up to the task. "Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?" he answered, adding that the team coached by Roberto Martinez had prepared well for the tournament. "It has been good but tiring because we've worked hard," he said. The Portuguese won warm-up games against Chile and Nigeria, but Ronaldo insisted that "what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game (against DR Congo) and then when the pressure really starts to mount." "That's when we'll see the true champions," he said.

---

French striker Kylian Mbappe has warned his team-mates just how hard it is to win the World Cup and hopes his experience can help his country lift the title for the second time in eight years after success in Russia 2018, reported Xinhua. Speaking on French TV channel M6, Mbappe looked back to the last two tournaments which saw France win in 2018 and lose the 2022 final on penalties to Argentina. "I know how difficult it is to win a World Cup. The years go by, and you have to keep your motivation and excitement intact. Those are important things in a World Cup to go far," he said. Mbappe has 12 goals in his two World Cup appearances and could become the highest scoring player ever in the tournament in this edition, but he is happy to sacrifice personal glory for the team. "I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'd sign up for that. I'd be the first to celebrate on the Champs-Élysées," he replied when asked if he would be happy to win the World Cup without scoring a goal. "I've been lucky enough to play in two World Cups and go far, as well as perform at a high level. Of course, I want to continue making history. But what I want most is to return to France with the World Cup trophy," insisted the striker. "I'm very happy to be playing in this World Cup and to help the young players, especially emotionally, but when you look at the quality of the year, you can see I'm not going to teach my teammates how to play football," explained Mbappe, who believes you need more than talent to lift the trophy. "You have to know how to manage the pressure. Everyone has to arrive at the World Cup in top form. And building a team isn't easy," he added before highlighting the dangers of the knockout stages. "A World Cup isn't a home and away affair. One bad game sends you home. We have to control our emotions. These are messages I try to give every day, because we haven't done anything yet," Mbappe advised.

---

Folarin Balogun's brace and the tournament's first own goal lifted co-host the United States to a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the Group D opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday ( US local time), reported Xinhua. After a star-studded pre-match ceremony at the Los Angeles Stadium, the U.S. pressed high against Paraguay, who returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. A dream start came seven minutes in, when Weston McKennie's pass was deflected by Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla into his own net for the tournament's first own goal. Balogun thought he had doubled the lead in the 28th minute, only for the effort to be ruled offside. He struck again three minutes later, finishing after a fine run and cross from Christian Pulisic to make it 2-0. Just before halftime, Malik Tillman's through ball found Balogun, who beat two defenders and slotted into the top-left corner to complete his brace. Paraguay regained momentum early in the second half, creating several threats. In the 53rd minute, a remarkable VAR intervention saw U.S. captain Tim Ream's yellow card rescinded in a World Cup first. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie initially cautioned Ream for a challenge on Miguel Almiron, but was sent to the pitchside monitor after a "mistaken identity" review. Replays showed that Ream made no contact and Almiron had dived. The yellow card was transferred to the Paraguay winger for simulation, marking the first use of FIFA's new mistaken identity protocol at a World Cup. Paraguay eventually pulled a goal back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, before Giovanni Reyna scored a last minute goal to seal a 4-1 win. "I just got a bit of a kick in the calf area," Pulisic, who was substituted at halftime, said in the mixed zone. "I'm hoping I'll be fine in the next few days. I'm staying positive." "I'm so honored to be here representing my country playing in the World Cup. I don't need any more motivation. We haven't accomplished anything yet, [and] there's still a lot more we want to do," the midfielder added. "It's an honor to lead the team and just to be part of the group is a huge honor," Ream told FIFA after the match. "We've put in a lot of work and the guys have done a lot to get to this point. To put in a performance like that and get three points and start the way we have is everything that we wanted." Australia and Türkiye will play the other Group D match in Vancouver on Saturday.

---

The United States is planning to significantly reduce the aircraft and warships it makes available for NATO operations in Europe, reported ANI, quoting a New York Times report. The NYT report, citing two senior European officials and a written document shared with allies in early June said, the planned drawdown would affect key military assets used for NATO operations, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, refuelling tankers and naval deployments. The proposed reductions include cutting the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets from about 150 to 100, reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and removing all eight aerial refuelling tanker jets previously available to Europe. It also includes reallocating a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier along with several warships and scores of jets attached to carrier missions. One of two bomber groups previously assigned for Europe's defence is also expected to be reassigned. According to the US publication, the planned changes would limit NATO's ability to conduct long-range strikes and surveillance operations, including monitoring Russian submarine activity and launching long-range missile strikes if required. The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the timeline of the drawdown and declined to comment on specific figures, referring instead to a general statement from US European Command on adjusting commitments in Europe. The US European Command said the United States had informed NATO allies that it will "rightsize" its contributions to the NATO force model as part of a broader burden-sharing approach under the 2026 National Defense Strategy and a vision for "NATO 3.0". "There has been an unhealthy co-dependence in the NATO Force Model on US forces," said US Air Force General Alexus G Grynkewich, Commander of US European Command, adding that the planned adjustments were aimed at making NATO defence planning more realistic. The move is being led by Under Secretary for War for Policy Elbridge Colby, who has argued that European allies and Canada must take greater responsibility for conventional defence on the continent. US officials said the changes were coordinated over several months with NATO structures and are intended to strengthen alliance capabilities by encouraging greater contributions from European members ahead of upcoming NATO discussions.

---

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday issued a presidential decree fixing the authorized personnel strength of the Russian Armed Forces at 2,399,130, reported Xinhua. According to the decree published on Russia's official legal act publication portal, the figure includes 1,510,000 military service members. The revision lifts the number of military personnel by 7,360 from the figure of 1,502,640 stipulated in a March decree. Putin previously stated that more than 700,000 Russian troops are deployed to the special military operation zone. He added that the Russian authorities are drawing up tailored schemes covering educational opportunities, medical rehabilitation support and job placement services for veterans and participants of the special military operation.

---

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to observe extensive Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military activity across its areas of operations, a UN spokesperson said Friday, reported Xinhua. Those activities include high-density armoured movements, large-scale engineering and demolition works, and sustained logistical traffic, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general. Dujarric told a daily briefing that intensive air activities by Israeli forces were reported on Thursday, involving fighter aircraft and various unmanned aerial systems. UNIFIL recorded 72 violations of Lebanese airspace by the IDF, and eight airstrikes were carried out by IDF fighter aircraft in UNIFIL's area of operations Thursday. "The UN remains deeply concerned by the continued impact of hostilities on healthcare and people's access to essential services in Lebanon," said the spokesperson. Citing local authorities, Dujarric said a reported strike Thursday near Hiram Hospital in Tyre district, in Lebanon's South Governorate, injured 10 staff members and damaged the hospital's buildings and impacting vehicles as well. This is at least the fifth reported incident affecting Hiram Hospital since the escalation started on March 2. The World Health Organization reported that across Lebanon, 17 hospitals have been damaged during the escalation, including all three hospitals in Tyre. A total of 135 healthcare workers and first responders have been killed, and nearly 400 others injured, said the spokesperson.

---

A shooting in Midland, U.S. state of Texas, left two people dead and 10 others injured on Friday morning, according to local authorities, reported Xinhua. One victim died at the scene and the suspected gunman was confirmed deceased after a standoff, said Midland Mayor Lori Blong. "The active shooter incident has been resolved, and the suspect is confirmed deceased," said the City of Midland on Facebook. The shooting began in southeast Midland and progressed across the southern portion of the city. Nine victims were taken to Midland Memorial Hospital with four of them undergoing surgeries, a spokesperson for the hospital said. Five victims in stable condition have since been discharged. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, had been wanted for attempted capital murder of an officer after he allegedly fired multiple shots at police during a car chase on Wednesday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The scene remains active and road closures in the area are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues, the City of Midland posted on Facebook. The public was asked to avoid the area and monitor updates. A family unification center is open at Midland Memorial Hospital, according to the authorities.

---

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) will meet in the French town of Evian from June 15 to 17, as they seek to address mounting geopolitical crises and global economic imbalances amid growing differences within the group, reported Xinhua. The summit takes place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have added to global economic uncertainties, while divisions between the United States and its European allies have drawn attention ahead of the meeting. The summit will bring together leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, as well as the European Union (EU), to discuss responses to what France described as an increasingly unstable international environment marked by "rising conflicts, widening economic imbalances and weakened global governance." The French Foreign Ministry on Friday outlined several priority areas for the summit, including promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth, strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing critical minerals supply chains. The summit will also include exchanges of views on geopolitical crises. On economic issues, discussions will address macroeconomic imbalances such as high debt levels and insufficient investment, according to the French Foreign Ministry. France has identified reducing global economic imbalances as a priority of its G7 presidency. French President Emmanuel Macron said such imbalances have reached levels not seen since the 2007-2008 global financial crisis and risk fueling protectionism and broader economic and geopolitical instability. The summit will also focus on strengthening international solidarity and improving the effectiveness of development cooperation. Ensuring secure and diversified supply chains for critical minerals is another item on the agenda. Geopolitical issues will also feature prominently on the agenda. According to the French Foreign Ministry, leaders will exchange views on the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. Regarding the Ukraine crisis, the aim is to "build convergence" to continue supporting Ukraine in order to achieve a peace that provides "full clarity for Ukraine and Europe on their future security," according to the French Foreign Ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend a summit session on Tuesday, and it remains unclear whether he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to arrive in Evian on Monday evening. The leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to attend another summit session on Tuesday to discuss the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran, Macron said. The session will focus on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has "a real impact on our economies," as well as negotiations concerning Iran, Macron added. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. and Iran are moving closer to signing an interim agreement at the time of the G7 summit. CNN reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance may attend a signing ceremony in Europe in the coming days, possibly in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday called on the U.S. and Iran to seize the opportunity to end a situation that is unsustainable and sign a peace deal. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts on regional issues, differences within the G7 have drawn attention ahead of the summit. There may be no joint declaration at the end of the summit amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and its European allies, particularly over the Middle East situation, Japan's Kyodo News reported on Wednesday, citing diplomatic sources. If confirmed, it would mark the second consecutive year without a joint statement following last year's summit in Canada. "For the G7 under the French presidency, having Trump engage constructively would already

---

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days, reported Xinhua. In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal. He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory. Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas. Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted. On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said. He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days." Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.

---

Indian Foreign Minister (External Affairs Minister-EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday said he spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to convey India's strong protest over US Navy attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners, reported ANI. He described such actions against commercial shipping as unjustified. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India's strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified." His remark came after the death of three Indian sailors in a US military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, MT Settebello, came under fire on Wednesday after US forces accused it of violating the ongoing naval blockade on Iranian ports. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while the three others were later confirmed deceased. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday summoned the US Charge d'Affaires, Jason Meeks, to lodge a strong protest against the ongoing attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. The diplomatic move follows yet another incident yesterday, where a commercial vessel with 20 Indian crew members on board came under attack in the region. This marks the second time that the US mission has been summoned by the MEA over the escalating maritime security issue. MEA on Thursday said that the three Indian seafarers who lost their lives in the attack on the vessel MT Settebello have been identified, and efforts are underway to bring their mortal remains to India at the earliest. "These attacks came from the US Navy that is stationed there. As you would have seen in the various reports, as also in what was clarified through our statements and otherwise from this podium, the three ships that have been involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged," Jaiswal said.

---

The government and the social partners prepared a joint recommendation for workplaces, particularly about the payment of the employees, if they are prevented from work due to drone threats, said the government in a press release on Friday. The recommendation prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of the Interior together with the social partners told employers to pay wages to employees. “Despite the fact that the social partners interpret the current labour legislation and the obligation to pay wages differently, they recommend that, in order to strengthen comprehensive security, employers pay wages to employees and public officials in situations referred to in the recommendations when the person is prevented from performing their work due to an emergency warning issued by the authorities due to a drone threat,” said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in the press release. Each workplace should find the means to minimise the risks to the health and safety of employees and to reduce the harm to employers. Instructions and practices related to drones must be discussed at workplaces in advance. The recommendations contain examples of matters that employers and employees should address. During drone threats, occupational accidents are assessed according to the Occupational Accidents, Injuries and Diseases Act, as usual. The social partners and the government continue to monitor the situation related to drone threats and are prepared for changes in the situational picture. The recommendations may be updated as necessary. In case the situation picture changes or drone threats become more common, thereby resulting in substantial payroll costs for employers, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will carry out a study on how these costs could be equalised. The starting point of the study is that the equalisation model does not generate any costs to general government or employees. The Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland Akava, the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, the Commission for Church Employers, the Local Government and County Employers KT, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, the Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK and the Office for the Government as Employer were among others participated in preparation of the joint recommendation. “Fortunately, emergencies are quite rare. However, when they do occur, workplaces must have crystal clear procedures on how to act. To me, it is particularly important that employees are paid their wages during these situations. Nobody should endanger their personal safety due to uncertainty about whether they will get paid. It is important to have comprehensive instructions on how workplaces should operate during emergencies and a clear recommendation on payment of wages,” said Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen in the press release. On 15 May, the rescue authorities issued an emergency warning affecting the Uusimaa region, in which people were clearly instructed to stay indoors. On May 21, the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors-JHL demanded that employees should get paid, if they stay home following instructions by the authority due to drone threat.

---