military aid to ukraine

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

US intelligence suggests Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones, raising security concerns about potential attacks on American targets like Guantanamo Bay and Key West. CIA chief visited Havana, warning against hostilities and urging an end to its "totalitarian government." Cuba denies threatening war, asserting its right to self-defense amid growing defense ties with Russia and Iran.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.

The diplomatic cable published by independent news outlet Drop Site has revived Khan’s long-standing claims of a foreign-backed conspiracy, once again placing Pakistan’s fragile civil-military balance under scrutiny

Presidents Putin and Trump held a 1.5-hour call discussing the Middle East war and Ukraine. Putin backed Trump's Iran ceasefire extension, viewing it as a stabilizing move. He also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, aiming to advance peace negotiations.

Donald Trump visited China, praising Xi Jinping while Xi alluded to America's decline and the "Thucydides Trap." Despite claims of trade breakthroughs, no concrete agreements were announced. Trump also continued his social media attacks and focused on domestic projects, while a satirical art installation mocked his approach to the Iran conflict.

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

President Trump is considering reducing US troop presence in Italy and Spain, citing their lack of support for the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz efforts. This move signals a widening rift with European allies over military objectives and burden-sharing within Nato.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged global leaders, including PM Modi, to pressure Putin to end the war, stating mediation alone is insufficient. He emphasized unified international action over compromise. Meanwhile, Ukraine is bolstering defence ties in the Middle East, signing drone cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

King Charles III will address a joint session of the US Congress, calling for "reconciliation and renewal" in UK-US ties amid strains over the Iran war. The monarch's rare speech aims to reinforce the long-standing alliance, acknowledging political differences while stressing unity against global challenges and shared democratic values.

President Trump has directed aides to prepare for a prolonged naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to choke Iran's oil exports and force concessions without triggering wider conflict. This strategy is causing global energy disruptions, with rising gasoline prices impacting American consumers and forcing other nations to scramble for alternative supplies.

Ukraine is showcasing remarkable resilience against Russia through its innovative defense industry. The nation is producing millions of drones, long-range missiles, and robotic systems. These advanced weapons allow Ukraine to strike deep behind enemy lines and preserve its soldiers. This technological prowess is enabling Ukraine to effectively counter a larger adversary, demonstrating a new model of national resistance.

The Middle East's conflicts are analyzed through the lens of 'proxies and levers,' where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region.

US President Trump has threatened to cripple Iran's power infrastructure and bridges in response to the Strait of Hormuz closure. This tactic, historically used to degrade enemy capabilities, could prolong the conflict and impact Iranian civilians, potentially undermining US claims of targeting the regime, not the people.

Stock market today: Buoyed by the two week US-Iran ceasefire, stock markets rallied strongly on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 24,000 intraday, BSE Sensex rose over 3,000 points.