Russia & Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War + IDF Prepares for Ground Offensive in Gaza with 5 Divisions + US Lifts Economics Sanctions on Syria + More

For review:

1. Houthis continue missile attacks on Israel. A ballistic missile launched at Israel by the Houthis was successfully intercepted by air defenses, the military said Sunday. It was the third attack in four days, and the fifth since last Sunday.

2. IDF Prepares for Ground Offensive in Gaza with 5 Divisions. When the major ground offensive is launched, the Palestinian population will be pushed into three small zones in Gaza. The IDF will then capture the rest of Gaza, clear it of Hamas infrastructure, raze most buildings, and hold it for the foreseeable future. This captured territory will include all of Rafah, Khan Younis, and the towns north of Gaza City.

3. US Lifts Economics Sanctions on Syria. US Secretary of State Rubio said the waiver would “facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.”

4. Russia & Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War. The prisoner exchange took place in three phases carried out over three days and was agreed on during peace talks held in Turkey on May 16.

5. US President Trump voiced strong disapproval of Russia’s weekend bombardment of Ukraine, telling reporters that he's "not happy with Putin.”

The President's comments followed Russia’s massive air assault on Ukraine over the weekend, during which more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles were launched from Friday to Sunday.

6. In a possible retaliatory action, Russia temporarily stopped the Greek oil tanker Green Admire (that departed from Estonia) in its territorial waters on Sunday following the Estonia's Navy’s attempt last week to stop the unflagged and unresponsive Jaguar tanker in the Estonian exclusive economic zone. The vessel Jaguar is suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet.

7. Switzerland has received the EU’s approval to join a multinational military cybersecurity project, the EU’s Council announced this week. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Italy and Luxembourg are already members of the project, in addition to Estonia.

8. The US House passed a massive funding package (One Big Beautiful Bill), paving the way for Congress to add $150 billion in defense spending aimed at boosting major Trump administration priorities like Golden Dome.  The measure now moves to the US Senate.