Politics
The US conducted a test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile against the backdrop of nuclear tests in Belarus
The US Air Force has conducted a test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile without a warhead. The command stated that the test had been planned in advance and was not linked to current global events.
Marco Rubio offered Cubans a ‘new relationship’ with the US and blamed the Cuban authorities for the crisis
In an address to the people of Cuba, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Cuban leadership was to blame for the shortages of electricity, fuel and food on the island. He also announced a proposal for a ‘new relationship’ between the US and the Cuban people.
Russia is using the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war to discredit Ukraine — Lubinets
Russia is conducting a large-scale information and psychological operation against the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war, in an attempt to use them to discredit Ukraine on the international stage.
China and Russia have once again failed to reach an agreement on the ‘Power of Siberia 2’ gas pipeline
Vladimir Putin’s visit to China did not result in any final agreements regarding the construction of the ‘Power of Siberia 2’ gas pipeline. The Kremlin has stated that the parties are still finalising certain details of the project.
In Iran, internet access has become a marker of social class and is divided into ‘three tiers’ at exorbitant prices
Iran has introduced a strict 'caste' system for internet access following an 82-day total digital blackout. Whilst officials enjoy unrestricted access to the internet, ordinary citizens are forced to purchase access via VPNs at exorbitant prices.
An elite drone unit. The media have discovered which Russian military personnel travelled to China for training
Among the Russian military personnel who took part in the secret exercises held in China in late 2025 were servicemen from ‘Rubicon’—an elite UAV centre.
The US Army is looking for a cheaper missile for the Patriot system, costing up to $1 million
The US Army has announced that it is seeking a new, cost-effective interceptor for the Patriot system. In Washington, there is a drive to reduce the cost of intercepting drones and ballistic missiles and to speed up missile production, against a backdrop of increasing pressure on weapons stocks.
US urges Ukraine and the EU to ease restrictions on Belarusian fertilisers – Bloomberg
Washington believes that easing sanctions could help reduce Minsk’s dependence on Russia.
NATO is to install anti-drone systems at its headquarters in Brussels
NATO has decided to step up security at its headquarters in Brussels against drones, against the backdrop of growing threats in Europe and the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
France summoned the Israeli ambassador over the Sumud activists
France summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following reports of the treatment of detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. This refers to an international flotilla that was heading to Gaza on a humanitarian mission and was intercepted by Israeli forces.
Latvia has lodged a note of protest with Russia over statements made by Russian intelligence
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Embassy’s chargé d’affaires and lodged a protest over a public statement by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. Officials in Riga stated that the Russian side was spreading false information about the alleged use of Latvian territory and airspace to launch attacks on targets in Russia.
The EU is discussing extending the deadline for renewing sanctions against Russia
European Union leaders may consider next month extending the renewal period for sanctions against Russia from six months to one year. Discussions have intensified following Viktor Orbán’s defeat in the Hungarian parliamentary elections.
