The Weekly Report: May 3-10 2026
United States
President Trump told a crowd of people in West Palm Beach Florida that the US military “would be taking over Cuba almost immediately”. Additionally president trump signed an executive order imposing sweeping sanctions on top Cuba officials alongside targeting different sectors of the Cuban economy. In response the Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel said the remarks were a dangerous escalation.
Asia
After months of fighting between Taiwanese lawmakers over proposal to spend 40 billion dollars on arms from the U.S., Taiwans legislature approved a 25 billion dollar deal to buy American missiles and other types of weapons. This deal comes as President Trump will visit China this week where it’s expected that Chinese President Xi Jinping will press President Trump on the Taiwan issue.
Europe
Russia's Victory Day Parade on May 9 was held without the presence of tanks due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes according to the Kremlin. Ahead of the parade the Ukrainian military launched a barrage of drones toward Moscow ahead of the parade. Moscow’s air defense reportedly downed many of the drones. Ahead of the holiday president Trump announced a three day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and a prisoner swap of 1000 soldiers from each side. Zelensky immediately accepted the deal.
Americas
In response to president Trump's comments about taking over Cuba, the country’s president called the Trump administration "fascist “. Cuba continues reel from the US fuel blockade which has resulted in blackouts across the county and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Africa
The former president of Botswana Festus G. Mogae who was responsible for leading the country during the H.I.V. and AIDS crisis passed away on Friday at the age of 86. The former presidents death was announced by current president of Botswana Duma Boko.
Middle East
On Thursday the Israeli Military reportedly killed a senior Hezbollah commander in the south suburbs of Beirut. This marked the first attack near the Lebanese capital since the U.S. mediated ceasefire went into effect last month. Specifically, the strike targeted the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan force, its commando unit.
