Part 8/13:
The current diplomatic environment reflects a paradox: while Western leaders seek to deter further Russian aggression, they remain cautious about alienating Moscow, which may believe it is negotiating from a position of strength. Strategic patience and leverage are vital, with some analysts suggesting that focusing on exposing Moscow’s weaknesses could pressure Putin into negotiations from a weaker position.
U.S. Defense Budget Cuts: Reshaping Military Priorities
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered unprecedented budget reductions aimed at streamlining the Pentagon’s financial footprint. A new memo directs military officials to prepare plans to cut approximately 8% annually over five years—about $50 billion each year—focusing on eliminating perceived waste and redundancies.