Russia Welcomes Trump’s New Security Strategy, Says It Aligns With Moscow’s Vision

Russia has hailed President Donald Trump’s newly released National Security Strategy, describing the document as “largely consistent” with Moscow’s own worldview.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking in an interview published by state news agency Tass on Sunday, said the adjustments in the 33-page strategy marked “a positive step,” though he noted that Russia would continue to study the document closely before making firm conclusions.

The strategy, unveiled by the US administration earlier in the week, adopts markedly softer language toward Russia and does not portray Moscow as a threat.

Instead, it frames Europe as facing what it calls “civilisational erasure,” while outlining priorities such as curbing foreign influence, restricting mass migration, and countering what it describes as censorship within the EU.

The document has drawn strong criticism across Europe, with several EU officials and analysts accusing Washington of echoing Kremlin rhetoric and undermining long-standing transatlantic positions on democracy and security.

The report argues that the US must “re-establish strategic stability to Russia” to stabilise European economies and appears to support political movements opposed to Europe’s current trajectory.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that issues of freedom of expression “do not belong” in a security strategy, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded Washington that “Europe is your closest ally, not your problem.”

Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt described the document as placing itself “to the right of the extreme right.”

The strategy also promotes a revived “Western identity” and praises “patriotic European parties,” raising concerns about US alignment with far-right groups, including Germany’s AfD, which domestic intelligence classifies as extreme right.

Beyond Europe, the strategy signals potential military actions against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and calls for increased defence spending from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan.

In Washington, Democrats warned that the new posture threatens decades of US foreign policy. Representative Jason Crow labelled the strategy “catastrophic,” while Gregory Meeks said it abandons America’s traditional values-based global leadership.

Security Concerns: Ribadu Hosts U.S. Congressional Delegation in Abuja

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday received a visiting delegation of the United States Congress in Abuja, as Nigeria and the U.S. continue high-level engagements on shared security priorities.

Ribadu, who shared details of the meeting on X, said the visit follows earlier discussions in Washington, D.C., focused on counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability.

The delegation included U.S. lawmakers Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani and Riley Moore, alongside U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.

He described the talks as constructive, noting that both sides explored ways to deepen strategic security collaboration.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu said.

Congressman Riley Moore also described the visit as “very productive,” confirming that the delegation held wider engagements, including a stop in Benue State.

The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic concern after U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move Nigeria has firmly rejected.

Nigeria has continued to seek stronger security partnerships with global allies.

Diaspora Watch recalls that on November 20, Ribadu met U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, while President Bola Tinubu on November 27 approved Nigeria’s team for the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group established during recent talks in Washington.

11 Killed, 14 Injured in Mass Shooting at South African Hostel

At least 11 people, including a three-year-old child, have been killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said three unidentified gunmen stormed the premises around 4:30am on Saturday and fired “randomly” at a group of people who were drinking.

A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were also among the dead.

Mathe confirmed that 25 people were shot in total, with 14 others wounded.

No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Authorities described the venue as an “illegal shebeen,” noting that many mass shootings in the country occur in such unlicensed liquor spots.

Police shut down 12,000 illegal outlets between April and September and arrested more than 18,000 people nationwide.

South Africa continues to battle soaring violent crime.

According to UN data, the country recorded a murder rate of 45 per 100,000 people in 2023–24, while police statistics show that 63 people were killed daily between April and September.