18 September 2025.
Germany
Germany has changed its stance on the potential use of seized Russian funds for Ukraine. Previously, the German government had rejected the use of the seized assets for Ukrainian use and was concerned about retaliation from the Russian government during and after the war. The final decision for the use will be made at an EU summit on 23-24 October.
France
French protestors again staged nationwide protests involving hundreds of thousands. Schools and public transport were shut down. The protestors aim to put pressure on the new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, to rethink budget cuts and act on wages, pensions and public services. Here’s a fact that should blow your mind: the average pensioner earns more than the average worker. Now that’s a sustainable system!
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a defence cooperation agreement. Both countries have cooperated on defence for decades, but the deal solidifies the relationship. A former Pakistani diplomat, Maleeha Lodhi, states that the relationship also allows Pakistan to be a security guarantor for the Middle East as the US takes a step back.
Lithuania-Russia
On Wednesday, Lithuanian prosecutors announced they had disrupted a Russian mail bomb plot across Europe. Homemade incendiary devices were to be concealed in massage cushions and cosmetic tubes. The suspects packed the parcels with thermite, a highly flammable substance used for industrial and military purposes. Among the suspects are nationals of Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine.
Brazil
It keeps getting worse for Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro. On Wednesday, he was diagnosed with skin cancer. The diagnosis was made public after Bolsonaro was discharged from an overnight stay in hospital for separate medical issues that included vomiting, dizziness and low blood pressure.
US-UK
Donald Trump and Keir Starmer today held a press conference and signing ceremony for a technology partnership deal worth billions. Among the announced American investments in the UK are a joint Nvidia-OpenAI investment in London-based startup Nscale worth $680 million, and a pledge by Microsoft to invest $30 billion in the UK by 2028.
North Korea-Russia
A new report from the German think tank, Friedrich-Naumann Foundation, claims that North Korea has sent up to $9.8 billion worth of arms deliveries to Russia since it started supplying the Russian military. It is believed that North Korea has only received up to $1.2 billion in compensation. There are other aspects to the relationship, but this study does provide some insight and is worth the read.
Social Media Wires
Purportedly, Ukrainian soldiers are finding that the Russians are using 1930s Nazi detonators.
Feature Photo: “US Mail Boxes”, PickPik, 2025
The Wires Brief is a weekly breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates.