⌨Minister Faber's statement about Zelensky being "undemocratically elected" continued reverberating through Dutch politics, forcing Premier Schoof to personally reassure Ukraine of continued support. The incident highlighted growing fractures within the coalition regarding Ukraine policy.
By midday, reports emerged of U.S. interest in Ukraine's $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals, contextualizing Trump's recent policy shifts. European responses crystalized around calls for strategic autonomy, with discussions of counter-measures against U.S. services.
Princess Amalia conducted her first solo royal duty, christening naval vessel Den Helder, while coverage tracked Hamas's release of six hostages and the identification of Shiri Bibas's body. Evening brought news of terror attacks in Mulhouse, France, Pope Francis's deteriorating condition, and confirmation of new North Sea gas drilling operations yielding 500,000 cubic meters daily.