RUSSIA MILITARY ESCALATION
Russian assassination plots against those supporting Ukraine uncovered in Europe, official says
Western intelligence agencies have uncovered Russian plans to carry out assassinations, arson, and sabotage across Europe targeting individuals and companies supporting Ukraine's military efforts. One of the most serious plots involved a plan to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German defense company Rheinmetall.
Russia to counter 'threatening' US deployment of long-range missiles in Germany
The Kremlin has vowed to counter the U.S. plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, viewing NATO's actions as a threat to Russia's security. Announced at a NATO summit, the deployment aims to bolster European defense amid Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia plans a strategic military response, with officials accusing the U.S. and Germany of destabilizing regional security. This development follows the U.S.'s withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing alleged Russian violations, which Moscow denies.
Ukraine is on an 'irreversible' path to NATO. But only after war with Russia ends
NATO member countries individually and in Wednesday's joint statement from their summit in Washington announced a series of steps aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defenses. That includes the U.S., the Netherlands and Denmark announcing that the first NATO-provided F-16s would be in the hands of Ukrainian military pilots by this summer.
Can you 'Trump-proof' NATO? As Biden falters, Europeans look to safeguard the military alliance
Growing skepticism about President Joe Biden's reelection chances has European leaders anticipating the NATO summit in Washington. The prospect that former President Donald Trump, a known critic of the alliance, may return to power over its mightiest military is particularly concerning. The NATO summit, which begins Tuesday, will mark the military alliance's 75th anniversary. NATO consists of 32 European and North American allies committed to mutual defense against armed attacks.
Which is this country that is increasingly supporting its President in the use of nuclear option in a volatile region of the world?
Russians are increasingly supporting their President’s plan to use the nuclear arsenal against Ukraine. There is growing support for this. The Russia-Ukraine war is intensifying.
Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, as it could escalate into a nuclear conflict with Russia. Despite Russia's current military advantage in Ukraine, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a viable option if Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. Recent Russian drills with tactical nuclear weapons underscore Moscow's readiness to respond to perceived Western provocations, including discussions of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine and supplying longer-range weapons to Kyiv. This nuclear rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation amid ongoing tensions in the region.
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US allies allege China is developing attack drones for Russia
Chinese and Russian companies are collaborating to develop an attack drone similar to Iran’s Shahed model, which has been used extensively by Russia in Ukraine, according to European officials. The companies began developing and testing this drone in 2023, preparing it for shipment to Russia. This move signifies a potential shift towards providing lethal aid, which Western officials have warned against. Despite Beijing's portrayal of neutrality, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about China’s indirect support for Russia through components and dual-use technologies. China's embassy in the U.S. denied providing weapons, urging dialogue and peace instead.
US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea
A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, has arrived in South Korea for a joint exercise involving Japan, aimed at bolstering military readiness against North Korean threats. The exercise, called Freedom Edge, follows heightened tensions after a security pact between Russia and North Korea. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are increasing military cooperation, with the USS Roosevelt strike group expected to participate in the drills. The group will later head to the Middle East to promote regional stability and protect commerce.
Man finds China's military secrets in Rs 100 used books, alerts authorities
A Chinese military enthusiast found confidential military documents in discarded books bought for less than $1. China's Ministry of State Security commended Mr. Zhang for reporting his discovery, highlighting the potential dangers if the documents had fallen into malicious hands.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch boat-borne bomb attack against Greek-owned ship in Red Sea
Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack in the Red Sea targeting a commercial ship near the USS Laboon, amid a US-led campaign to safeguard the waterway.
NATO chief says 'no immediate military threat' against alliance
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured that there is "no immediate military threat" against any NATO member, despite rising tensions with Russia. The Kremlin recently accused the West of escalating the war in Ukraine after the US allowed Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons against Russian targets to defend Kharkiv. During a visit to Sweden, Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO's Article 5 commitment remains intact but isn't expected to be tested. Sweden's Prime Minister announced Swedish Gripen jets will join NATO's Air Policing force. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West for more military support.
France's Macron urges a green light for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with Western weapons
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Western allies to allow Ukraine to strike Russian military bases using long-range weapons provided by the West. Macron's call, echoed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, comes amid Ukraine's struggles due to delayed military aid and shortages. While Western leaders have been cautious, fearing escalation, Macron emphasized targeting only Russian bases launching attacks on Ukraine. The U.S. remains hesitant, maintaining restrictions on using its weapons to strike inside Russia. Recent European pledges include significant military support from Belgium, Spain, and Sweden.
Putin warns Western weapons striking Russia would have 'serious consequences'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of "serious consequences" if Western countries allow Ukraine to use their weapons to strike Russia. He emphasized the importance of considering the small territory and dense population of European countries before discussing strikes deep into Russian territory.
Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members
Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.
Will Russia's counter space weapon destroy US satellites? Tension between superpowers escalates
Russia earlier launched a counter space weapon which the US said threatens its satellites in the Low Earth Orbit. This weapon has both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia's military has started drills with tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials' comments on deeper involvement in Ukraine. The drills involve non-strategic nuclear weapons like Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the Southern Military District near Ukraine and Crimea.
New star wars plan: US rushes to counter Chinese and Russian threats in orbit
US Defense Department is looking to acquire a new generation of ground- and space-based tools that will allow it to defend its satellite network from attack and, if necessary, to disrupt or disable enemy spacecraft in orbit, Pentagon officials have said in a series of interviews, speeches and recent statements.
Germany considers drafting teens as Putin boosts nuclear readiness
Germany is considering reintroducing compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds, a move fueled by heightened geopolitical pressures, particularly from Russia. Defense minister Boris Pistorius, reflecting on past decisions, believes reinstating conscription is necessary given the current threat landscape. The proposed plans include mandatory military service for men and potentially women, or a selective process. These discussions align with increasing militaristic rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about broader conflict.
Ukraine parliament passes bill allowing prisoners to join military amid personnel shortage
Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill allowing certain prisoners to enlist in the armed forces amid a critical shortage of military personnel. The move marks a shift in Kyiv's stance, previously opposing such measures. The legislation, awaiting final approval, restricts participation to specific prisoner categories and requires less than three years remaining on their sentence. Despite its passage, concerns have been raised about discrimination and uncertainties regarding prisoners' service. This decision comes as Ukraine faces increased Russian aggression, with efforts to boost military recruitment intensifying.
UK says to expel Russian defence attache as 'undeclared military intelligence officer'
Amid rising tensions, the UK government took decisive action against the Kremlin by expelling a Russian defense attache and imposing restrictions, signaling a firm stance against alleged Russian aggression and interference.
Russia warns Britain it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine
Russia has warned Britain that if Ukraine uses British weapons to attack Russian territory, Moscow could target British military installations and equipment. British Ambassador Nigel Casey was summoned to the foreign ministry for a protest after Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to strike Russia contradicted an earlier assurance that long-range weapons given to Ukraine would not be used against Russia.
Russia boosts weapons production for Ukraine war amid US military aid approval: Report
In a meeting with Russia's top military officials on Wednesday, Shoigu emphasised the imperative to enhance the volume, quality, and speed of arms production. He also instructed for the repair of units stationed on the front lines in Ukraine's eastern and southern regions to enhance their operational effectiveness, the Ministry of Defence said on the Telegram messaging app.
Ukraine gets a big boost of US aid. It still faces a long slog to repel Russia
The US House of Representatives approved the package on Saturday after months of delays by some Republicans wary of US involvement overseas. It was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Joe Biden said he would sign it Wednesday.
G7 powers to boost Ukraine air defences in face of Russian strikes
G7 powers are determined to bolster Ukraine's air defences, their foreign ministers said on Friday after repeated Russian air strikes which have wrecked power infrastructure and killed hundreds. The Group of Seven major powers -- Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States and European Union representatives -- has been fiercely critical of Russia's two-year long invasion of Ukraine.
Israeli war cabinet puts off third meeting on Iran's attack to Wednesday
Israel postponed a critical war cabinet meeting to decide its response to Iran's recent missile attack, with allies considering new sanctions to prevent escalation. While the attack caused minimal damage, it raised fears of broader conflict. The U.S. and European allies are working to strengthen sanctions against Iran. Israel's Foreign Minister seeks global sanctions on Iran's missile program. Iran has signaled the attack was in retaliation and considers the issue closed. Israel is weighing its response amid international efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Regional tensions escalate as Iran threatens reprisals over Israeli strike on embassy; Here's what we know so far
Tensions have heightened between Israel and Iran after the assassination of a top Iranian commander at the Iranian embassy in Damascus. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, the incident has raised security concerns and the possibility of retaliatory actions, with both US and Israeli officials taking threats from Tehran seriously.
After veto, Russia says big powers need to stop 'strangling' North Korea
Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts monitoring enforcement of longstanding United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.
Senior Russian officer warns Ukraine conflict could escalate into full-scale war in Europe
A senior Russian military officer, Colonel-General Vladimir Zarudnitsky, has warned that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a full-scale war in Europe, with the probability of Moscow's forces becoming significantly involved in a new conflict increasing. Zarudnitsky, head of the Russian army's Military Academy of the General Staff, highlighted the anti-Russian policy of the United States and its allies as the main source of military threats to Russia, accusing them of conducting a new type of hybrid warfare to weaken Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy takes command of country's armed forces amid escalating military tensions
President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi as the head of Ukraine's armed forces, marking a significant shift in the country's military leadership amid ongoing tensions with Russia
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