Russian accused of running illegal cosmetic clinic in Phuket A 45-year-old Russian woman was arrested in Phuket on Saturday when police raided a large residence allegedly operating as an illegal cosmetic clinic. Bangkok Post · Jun 7
Prime Minister Pashinyan’s party leads Armenia election amid westward shift Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party took an early lead in parliamentary elections on Monday that could strengthen his push towards closer ties with the West, amid tensions with Moscow and accusations of Russian interference. France 24 · Jun 7
Armenia's elections to deliver verdict on cautious pivot west Armenia votes on Sunday in a parliamentary election seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's drive to loosen his country's historical dependence on Russia and turn towards the West. Radio France Internationale · Jun 7
What to know about a rare visit by China's Xi to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent trip to North Korea marks a significant chapter in regional diplomacy, focusing on enhancing cooperation and reaffirming China's strategic footing. On the other hand, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is keen on securing financial assistance while forging a collective stance against American influence. The Economic Times · Jun 7
What China and North Korea stand to gain from Xi Jinping’s rare summit with Kim Jong Un Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea for first time in nearly seven years, offering North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a stage to showcase an increasingly assertive foreign policy. Arpan Rai reports The Independent UK · Jun 7
Armenia goes to polls in pivotal vote to decide South Caucasus future Armenians will decide their future on Sunday against the backdrop of a Russia-West clash, as both the EU and the US support PM Pashinyan’s cautious pro-Western drive, while Russia embarked on an onslaught of economic and political pressures on Yerevan to keep the former Soviet state in its orbit. Euronews · Jun 7
David Pratt: Is the war in Ukraine finally turning against Putin? THROUGHOUT more than four years of fighting, there has often been talk of a “turning point.” The National (Scotland) · Jun 7
The Economic Times · Jun 7 Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West Armenia's parliamentary elections are a pivotal vote on its geopolitical future, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeking closer EU and US ties amidst Russian warnings. Disappointment over Moscow's handling of the Karabakh conflict has soured relations, prompting Pashinyan to cautiously weaken ties with Russia and explore Western partnerships.
The Guardian - AU · Jun 7 Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv unleashes hundreds of drones on Russia after Putin rejected Zelenskyy meeting Ukraine targets St Petersburg in wave of strikes; Keir Starmer to host Volodymyr Zelenskyy and EU leaders for talks. What we know on day 1,565
International Business Times UK · Jun 6 Candace Owens and Laura Loomer Trade Explosive Insults: 'Is the FBI Investigation in the Room With You?' Candace Owens' visit to a Kremlin-backed forum in Russia has sparked a feud with Laura Loomer, leading to accusations of aiding foreign propaganda and highlighting conservative ideological divides.