SOFREP Evening Brief: Israel Confirms Killing of Top Hamas Commander Mohammad Sinwar, Germany Pledges to Help Ukraine Build Long-Range Missiles Without Western Restrictions

End your Wednesday with SOFREP’s evening brief, packed with essential defense and global affairs updates for May 28, 2025. Israel says it killed Hamas commander Mohammad Sinwar. Gaza civilians stormed a UN warehouse amid famine and aid chaos. Iran may pause uranium enrichment if sanctions are lifted. Putin wants a NATO freeze, sanctions relief, and control over eastern Ukraine for a peace deal. Germany will help Ukraine build unrestricted long-range missiles. Southeast Asia’s meth trade hit record highs due to Myanmar conflict. Senator Duckworth visited Taiwan to boost US ties amid China tensions. At least 20 killed in Nigeria village attack tied to herder-farmer violence.

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Israel Confirms Killing of Top Hamas Commander Mohammad Sinwar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas’ Gaza chief and brother of slain October 2023 attack mastermind Yahya Sinwar, has been killed.

Netanyahu made the statement during an address to the Israeli parliament, declaring Sinwar “eliminated” as part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hamas leadership.

Sinwar was reportedly targeted in an Israeli strike on a southern Gaza hospital earlier this month. His death, still unconfirmed by Hamas, follows that of his brother Yahya, who led the deadly October 7 assault that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken into Gaza.

The announcement comes as Israel intensifies military operations in Gaza, resuming large-scale assaults after the collapse of a March ceasefire.

Netanyahu claimed recent actions signal a “dramatic turn toward a complete defeat of Hamas” and also referenced Israeli control of a new US-backed aid distribution system in Gaza.

Netanyahu: “We eliminated Mohammad Sinwar” https://t.co/d2dt9ldGSS pic.twitter.com/UkRHyHqBgV

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 28, 2025

The war has entered its 20th month, with Gaza’s health officials reporting over 53,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million residents. While Israel asserts it has killed tens of thousands of militants, no evidence has been publicly released to support those figures.

Hamas has not released a breakdown of civilian versus militant casualties.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated last week that Hamas had lost critical infrastructure, including its command centers. Mohammad Sinwar had risen through Hamas ranks after Yahya’s death, reportedly taking over leadership in Gaza before his own elimination.

UN Warehouse Stormed in Gaza Amid Famine Fears, Aid Tensions Grow

Hundreds of desperate civilians stormed a United Nations warehouse in central Gaza on Wednesday, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

The incident underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine looms and aid delivery remains severely limited despite international pressure on Israel to increase access.

“One young man told me he had walked over 5 kilometers on foot, simply saying: ‘I am starving,’” writes journalist @a_abdulruhman, who documented the stampede at the UN warehouse in Deir al-Balah—where, according to a doctor at Al-Aqsa Hospital, five people were killed, at least… https://t.co/XSDVRfCXsw

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) May 28, 2025

Israel ended an 11-week aid blockade 10 days ago, now allowing limited relief through the UN or the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The UN criticized Israel’s aid allowance as “a lifeboat after the ship has sunk.” UN and aid groups have refused to work with the GHF, citing concerns over neutrality and claims that it facilitates Israeli efforts to depopulate Gaza.

International calls for a ceasefire are growing. France, Britain, Germany, and Canada have warned of consequences if the military campaign continues, while Italy has labeled the ongoing offensive unacceptable. The UN Security Council is weighing new resolutions demanding unimpeded aid access as Gaza teeters on the edge of famine.

Iran Signals Possible Enrichment Pause in Exchange for Sanctions Relief and Recognition of Civilian Nuclear Rights

Iran may temporarily halt uranium enrichment if the US agrees to release frozen Iranian assets and officially recognize Tehran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, two Iranian sources close to ongoing nuclear negotiations told Reuters on Wednesday.

The proposed “political deal,” not yet discussed formally with US negotiators, could pave the way toward a broader nuclear agreement.

Under the proposal, Iran would pause enrichment for one year, ship out part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, or convert it into fuel for civilian reactors. Tehran insists it will not dismantle its nuclear infrastructure or seal any installations, and it rejects US demands to fully scrap enrichment—calling such conditions an attack on national sovereignty.

Iran reportedly rejected a six-month pause in uranium enrichment during the fifth round of nuclear talks on May 23 as US officials continue to push for zero enrichment.

Witkoff reportedly proposed after the fourth round of talks that Iran suspend uranium enrichment for three… pic.twitter.com/difBz6WhyY

— Critical Threats (@criticalthreats) May 28, 2025

The Trump administration has maintained a hardline stance, reviving the “maximum pressure” campaign since returning to the White House in January, including tightened sanctions and military threats. US officials have stated any replacement for the failed 2015 nuclear deal must end Iran’s enrichment program entirely.

The Iranian offer includes a demand for the unconditional release of $6 billion in Iranian oil revenues frozen in Qatar. That sum, unfrozen in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap, remains inaccessible. Tehran insists the funds must be returned without strings and calls for broader sanctions relief impacting its oil and financial sectors.

Iran’s foreign ministry publicly denied the Reuters report, claiming enrichment is non-negotiable. However, insiders argue that a political agreement—rather than a formal interim deal—could ease tensions and buy time to resolve deeper divisions.

Western diplomats remain skeptical, warning that without firm commitments and verification by the UN nuclear watchdog, European support for any US-Iran political understanding will be limited.

Even with a pause, rapid sanctions relief is unlikely as Washington favors a phased approach, while Tehran wants immediate economic relief to stabilize its crisis-hit economy.

With mounting domestic unrest, regional proxy losses, and fears of an Israeli strike, Iranian leadership is under pressure to strike a deal. Officials acknowledge that without progress, Tehran risks internal collapse and further international isolation.

Putin Demands NATO Freeze, Sanctions Relief in Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding a written pledge from Western leaders to halt NATO expansion and lift key sanctions as conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, according to three Russian sources familiar with ongoing peace discussions.

According to an exclusive report by Reuters, the Kremlin also seeks Ukraine’s neutrality, a resolution on frozen Russian assets, and protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine.

Putin reportedly agreed to draft a memorandum outlining a potential peace framework after a recent two-hour call with US President Donald Trump. However, Ukrainian and European officials accuse Moscow of stalling negotiations while making battlefield gains.

Russia currently controls nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory and has intensified air and drone strikes across eastern Ukraine.

NEW: The Kremlin is setting conditions to establish permanent control over the Russian-occupied Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), suggesting that Russia plans to illegally occupy and annex additional territory in Ukraine. More⬇️(1/2)

Russian officials are likely leveraging the fact… pic.twitter.com/jLQTRpxXgc

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 28, 2025

Trump has grown publicly frustrated with Putin, calling his actions “playing with fire” and suggesting Moscow could face more sanctions if it delays peace efforts. Despite this, Trump has also criticized NATO’s expansion and blamed prior US support for Ukraine’s membership bid as a cause of the conflict—positions that align with Putin’s long-standing opposition to NATO growth.

Sources say Putin is less willing to compromise on territory and remains firm on controlling all of four partially-occupied eastern Ukrainian regions. Kremlin insiders warn that if peace cannot be reached on Russia’s terms, Putin may escalate militarily to strengthen his leverage.

NATO, which pledged in 2008 that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually join, has rejected Russia’s demands to freeze expansion. Ukraine insists Russia should not have veto power over its NATO aspirations, and the alliance maintains an “open door” policy despite Putin’s threats.

The conflict, which began in 2022 after years of fighting in Donbas, has become the deadliest in Europe since World War II. As Russian economic strains deepen under sanctions and oil revenues decline, Putin remains defiant, portraying the war as a defense of Russia’s post-Soviet sphere against Western encroachment.

Peace talks remain uncertain as both sides harden positions and battlefield momentum shifts.

Germany Pledges to Help Ukraine Build Long-Range Missiles Without Western Restrictions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Wednesday that Germany will assist Ukraine in developing long-range missile systems free from Western-imposed usage restrictions.

Standing beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, Merz said Germany aims to provide Ukraine with the capabilities to strike military targets beyond its borders using domestically produced missiles.

The pledge marks a shift from earlier Western limitations on the use of supplied weapons to avoid provoking direct conflict with Russia. However, Merz did not confirm whether Germany would supply its Taurus cruise missiles—an omission criticized by members of his own Christian Democratic Union party.

The Ukrainians are defending their lives, their country and their freedom. Their great sacrifices are also defending Europe’s security against Russia’s militant revisionism.

We will continue our military support for Ukraine. And we will expand it. pic.twitter.com/ZonysK7i2E

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 28, 2025

Hours after Merz’s announcement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov invited Ukraine to direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Kyiv is open to talks but criticized Moscow for failing to deliver a promised memorandum outlining its position.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for high-level peace talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, who has offered to mediate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed Trump’s efforts but emphasized that Russia would not compromise its national interests.

Fighting continues along the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) front line, with Ukraine reporting Russian mobilization of up to 45,000 troops monthly. Ukraine, mobilizing fewer, is ramping up domestic missile and drone production and seeking European investment to expand capabilities.

BREAKING:

Germany announces it’s sending a new military aid package to Ukraine worth USD 5.7 billion.

It will include:

– Financing of long-range cruise missile production in Ukraine
– Artillery shells
– Air defense missiles
– Small arms
– Repair facilities in Ukraine
-… pic.twitter.com/Hbk5vheefY

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 28, 2025

Russia and Ukraine have both intensified deep strikes. Ukraine launched one of its largest drone offensives this week, with Russia claiming to have downed 296 drones. Russian forces responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, prompting air raid alerts and flight cancellations across Moscow.

Amid mounting battlefield pressure and diplomatic activity, Germany’s offer signals growing European commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s long-range deterrence as Kyiv prepares for a prolonged war effort.

UN Report: Meth Trade in Southeast Asia Hits Record Levels, Fueled by Myanmar Conflict and Transnational Crime

The illicit methamphetamine trade in Southeast Asia surged to record levels in 2024, with seizures totaling 236 tons—a 24% increase from the previous year—according to a new United Nations report released Wednesday.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) attributes the explosion in meth production and trafficking to industrial-scale operations by transnational organized crime groups, particularly in Myanmar’s Shan State.

The Golden Triangle—where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand converge—remains the epicenter of meth production. Historically known for heroin and opium, the region has shifted toward synthetic drugs due to ease of production and weak law enforcement.

In Thailand alone, authorities seized around 1 billion meth tablets last year, with prices in Myanmar as low as $0.60 per pill.

UNODC officials highlighted Myanmar’s civil war as a major factor driving the drug trade’s expansion. The instability since the 2021 military coup has created lawless zones ideal for trafficking, while areas of relative calm continue to host large-scale drug labs. Trafficking routes have diversified, with increasing shipments moving through Laos to Cambodia and via maritime channels linking Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

🆕 UNODC report shows a 24% rise in methamphetamine seizures across East & Southeast Asia — hitting a record 236 tons in 2024.

Read the report ⬇️

— UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) May 28, 2025

The report also identifies external sources fueling the regional drug market. Meth from Afghanistan’s Golden Crescent has turned up in Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, meth linked to Mexican cartels has entered the region via North America.

Criminal networks have adopted digital tools, front companies, and underground financial systems to expand and launder their profits. UNODC warns of increasing overlap between drug trafficking and other illicit services, signaling a deeper integration of organized crime in regional economies.

US Senator Tammy Duckworth Visits Taiwan to Reinforce Security, Trade Ties Amid China Tensions

US Senator Tammy Duckworth arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a two-day visit focused on regional security, trade, and strengthening US-Taiwan relations.

Duckworth’s trip, facilitated by the American Institute in Taiwan—the de facto US embassy—includes meetings with top Taiwanese officials and emphasizes Washington’s commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Duckworth, a staunch Taiwan supporter, leads the second congressional delegation to visit the island in as many days, reflecting bipartisan concern over China’s growing military pressure and Taiwan’s key role in the global semiconductor supply chain. Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s most advanced chips.

The visit coincides with ongoing negotiations over US tariffs on Taiwanese goods, currently at 32% under Trump-era policy. Taipei is pushing for reductions without harming sensitive US sectors like agriculture.

Honored to welcome @SenDuckworth to #Taiwan again. Her support for our defense & resilience is critical in dealing with #China’s threat & coercion. Thank you, Senator, & we’ll stride ahead to strengthen our capabilities in safeguarding the peace & stability in the #IndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/uFZMavTwsm

— Joseph Wu (@josephwutw) May 28, 2025

Joining Duckworth in Taiwan is Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, whose Pacific territory would be strategically critical in any US military response to a Chinese attack.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has increased military harassment, including near-daily aerial and naval operations.

Taiwanese defense officials confirmed that China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier is operating southeast of the island and is being closely tracked. Though Beijing claims the carrier’s movements comply with international law, Taipei fears possible drills near its coast could signal preparations for a blockade.

31 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/B60ABongGf

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 28, 2025

Taiwan’s military maintains high alert, monitoring all Chinese movements and evaluating whether to elevate readiness levels. Defense officials stressed they are prepared to respond to any threats to safeguard national security, as China continues employing “grey-zone” tactics to pressure the island without triggering open conflict.

At Least 20 Killed in Village Attack in Nigeria’s Benue State

Gunmen recently attacked the village of Aondona in Nigeria’s north-central Benue state, killing at least 20 people, according to local government chairman Ormin Torsar Victor.

According to reports, the chairman had posted a video on Facebook on Monday showing several bodies, including a young child, at the scene.

Benue state police confirmed the attack but reported a lower toll of four deaths, including a police officer. Nigerian authorities often underreport casualties compared to local sources.

While no group has claimed responsibility, the region is frequently hit by violent clashes between farmers and herders, primarily over land and water rights.

Here is the LGA Chairman of Gwer West, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor staring down at the corpse of a two year old child, as he vents his frustration at the military:

“What do they mean they don’t have the mandate to engage these people…”.

The only option for us is self-defence. https://t.co/VnIZllYNDs pic.twitter.com/rauoel0XZp

— Michaelson Hon (@HonMichaelson) May 26, 2025

Tensions remain high as herders, mainly of Fulani origin, assert access to grazing routes, while farmers accuse them of destroying crops.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as a “heinous act” and a sign of growing lawlessness in the region. The attack follows another incident last month in which suspected herders killed at least 40 people in the same region.

Sources: News Agencies, Reuters