WESTERN WEAPONS
Zelenskyy appeals to West to relax targeting limits for Ukraine as glide bombs hammer front line
Recent drone footage released by Ukraine's military shows bodies in the civilian area of Toretsk amid heavy Russian bombardment. Ukrainian rescue services have scaled up evacuation efforts as Russian glide bombs devastate the town. President Zelenskyy reported over 800 glide bomb attacks in the past week and called for increased military aid to counter Russian aircraft. Russian bombs recently struck a postal warehouse in Kharkiv, killing one and injuring nine, while another attack in Vilniansk killed seven civilians and wounded dozens. Russian officials reported Ukrainian shelling injuries and downed drones in various regions.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
How did North Korean soldiers wander across the world's most heavily guarded border?
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea is an intensely fortified strip of land, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, possibly the most heavily armed place on Earth. It features two million mines, barbed wire fences, tank traps, and tens of thousands of troops from both sides. Despite this, recent incidents of North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korea have been attributed to overgrown foliage obscuring the demarcation line markings.
Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against "aggression," signaling stronger ties amid their standoffs with the West. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and raised concerns over potential arms deals for Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement enhances security, trade, and cultural ties. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed alarm, and Putin’s subsequent visit to Vietnam underscores Russia’s efforts to bolster alliances amid global tensions.
China's nuclear force now three times larger than India's: SIPRI data
China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, now boasting 500 warheads, triple that of India. This expansion reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and a global trend toward modernizing nuclear capabilities. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that all nine nuclear-armed states are enhancing their arsenals, with China and the US notably placing warheads on high operational alert.
Russia rehearses delivering tactical nuclear weapons with dummy warheads
Russia conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, deploying dummy warheads to storage points and an airfield amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. President Putin ordered these exercises, which involved multiple military districts. The drills aim to signal Russia's readiness to respond to threats, particularly from Western support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are urged to consider the consequences of escalating the conflict. These drills highlight the ongoing risk of nuclear confrontation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
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What are the security deals Ukraine is signing with allies?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will sign bilateral security agreements with the United States and Japan at the G7 Summit in Italy, finalizing similar deals with all G7 nations. These agreements, following a joint G7 declaration in July last year, ensure long-term security aid, including military support, intelligence-sharing, and cyber defense. While they aim to strengthen Ukraine's defense amidst its ongoing war with Russia, they are not substitutes for NATO membership, which remains Ukraine's strategic goal. The agreements build on prior commitments, emphasizing immediate aid in case of further Russian aggression.
What are tactical nuclear weapons and why is Russia holding drills?
Russia and Belarus are conducting exercises to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. These weapons are intended for battlefield use and rely on nuclear fission and fusion reactions to release energy. The drills involve missiles like Kinzhal and Iskander, with Russia using non-strategic nuclear warheads. The exercises are seen as a response to perceived hostile actions by the United States and its allies.
Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes
Ukraine hit a modern Russian warplane at an air base far from the front lines, using Western-supplied weapons. Satellite photos confirm the strike on a Su-57 fighter plane at the Akhtubinsk base.
Putin says Russia could deploy missiles in striking distance of the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of deploying missiles near the US and its allies if Ukraine uses Western weapons. He emphasized Russia's nuclear capabilities and criticized NATO's stance on the conflict.
NATO chief dismisses Russian warnings after arms restrictions lifted
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday dismissed warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory might lead to an escalation. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague, Stoltenberg said the alliance had heard such warnings many times before and self-defence was not escalation.
Berlin lets Ukraine use German weapons against targets in Russia after the US also eases its stance
Germany and the United States have authorized Ukraine to target some Russian positions on Russian soil with long-range weapons supplied by the West, marking a significant policy shift amid the ongoing conflict. This decision, aimed at defending the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, comes as Ukrainian forces face challenges from Russian attacks in the region. The move has drawn strong reactions from Moscow, with warnings of potential NATO involvement in the conflict. Western leaders have been cautious about easing restrictions on weapons due to fears of provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian missiles kill 4 people in Kharkiv after Biden OKs a Ukrainian response using US weapons
Ukrainian officials have previously accused Russia of targeting rescue workers by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive missiles - the first one to draw emergency crews to the scene and the second one to wound or kill them. The tactic is called a "double tap" in military jargon. Russia used the same method in Syria's civil war.
Kremlin says NATO 'provoking' Ukraine to prolong conflict
The Kremlin accused NATO of provoking Ukraine to extend the conflict by encouraging the use of Western-supplied weapons against Russia. As NATO foreign ministers met in Prague, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed the US and European allies were deliberately escalating tensions. Ukraine has been urging its supporters, particularly the US, to permit strikes inside Russia, but the US and Germany have resisted, fearing direct conflict with Moscow.
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.
'Risk averse' West torn over Ukraine push to strike Russia: analysts
Amid rising calls for Ukraine to strike inside Russia using Western-supplied long-range weapons, allies remain cautious due to fears of escalation and nuclear threats from Moscow. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged lifting restrictions to aid Ukraine's defense, but the US and Germany hesitate. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism, divisions persist among Western leaders. Some, like French President Emmanuel Macron, suggest deploying Western troops, challenging traditional stances and highlighting deepening debates on the conflict's next steps.
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.
Indian weapons falling into wrong hands? Defence Ministry tightens monitoring
The defence ministry is enhancing monitoring of defence equipment production and requiring companies to adhere to end-user certification rules for exports. The sector has seen a surge in arms and weapons production, particularly in response to the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
Seven dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv as Kyiv pleads for weapons
On Thursday, Russia launched missile strikes on Kharkiv, killing seven people at a printing house and wounding 28 others, as President Zelenskiy criticized Western allies for insufficient military support. The city, heavily bombarded for months, faced an intensified ground offensive beginning May 10, which has reportedly stalled. Around 15 missiles targeted transport infrastructure and the printing house, causing significant damage and casualties. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have called for more air defense systems, emphasizing the need for greater international assistance to counter Russian attacks effectively.
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.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises - and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to conduct drills involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will include missile forces, aviation, and the navy from the Southern Military District, near Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Russia linked the drills to what it called "militant statements" by Western officials. While nuclear powers routinely conduct nuclear exercises, it is rare to explicitly link such drills to ongoing conflicts.
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
In a defiant address on Red Square, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia's nuclear readiness and determination to defend against Western threats. He praised Russian forces in Ukraine and accused Western elites of instigating global conflicts. The Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union's WWII victory, was marked by Putin's warnings and increased nuclear rhetoric. Despite tensions, several world leaders attended, while Armenia's PM, amidst a spat with Russia, notably did not. Putin's speech reflects a combative stance as Russia advances in Ukraine and he begins an unprecedented fifth term.
Russia says Western actions compel it to boost its nuclear deterrent
Russia is signaling its intent to bolster its nuclear deterrent in response to what it perceives as escalating actions from Western adversaries. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov clarified that Russia is not altering its nuclear doctrine, which permits the use of nuclear weapons in response to an existential threat. However, he emphasized that the evolving situation necessitates a reassessment of Russia's security needs. Ryabkov warned that the current trajectory of escalation from opponents requires Russia to enhance its deterrence measures, including recent exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons.
Iran to change nuclear doctrine if existence threatened, adviser to Supreme Leader says
Iran's Supreme Leader adviser, Kamal Kharrazi, stated that while Iran has no intention to build nuclear weapons, its military doctrine may change if its existence is threatened by Israel. This raises concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions, despite Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's past ban on such weapons. Kharrazi's comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with Tehran recently launching missiles and drones against Israel in retaliation for an attack on its embassy compound in Damascus.
Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills amid Western 'threats'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to CNN. This marks the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with lower destructive capabilities than strategic nuclear weapons.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia has announced plans to conduct drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, citing provocative statements from Western officials about the Ukraine conflict. This marks the first time Russia has publicly announced such drills, which are intended to increase readiness. The announcement comes amid heightened tension between Russia and NATO, with some Western leaders suggesting potential military involvement in Ukraine. In a separate incident, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck vehicles in Russia's Belgorod region, killing six and injuring 35, including two children. The region has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks in recent months.
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