russian armed forces

Russia successfully test-fired its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by the West, a powerful weapon Putin claims will enter service by year-end. This modernization of nuclear forces comes amid claims the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end.

Russian President Putin is set for a significant two-day visit to China, commencing May 19, to deepen strategic ties with President Xi Jinping. This follows closely on the heels of Donald Trump's high-profile trip to Beijing, which focused on Taiwan, trade, and Iran. The leaders will discuss strengthening their partnership and address key global issues, aiming to sign a joint declaration.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, France's efforts to maintain influence in Africa are confronted with a shifting reality. The Sahel nations, now under military governance, are moving toward new alliances, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger seeking support from Russia for defense needs and China for economic growth.

India is bolstering its air-to-air missile capabilities with indigenous Astra Mk-2 and the upcoming Astra Mk-3 Gandiva, boasting ranges of 200 km and 350 km respectively. This strategic move aims to counter threats and achieve parity with advanced US and Chinese weaponry, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and ensuring national security in ultra-long-range aerial combat.

Ukraine is at the forefront of a military upheaval, unleashing a fleet of Unmanned Ground Vehicles, such as cutting-edge combat cyborgs and self-destructing attack machines, which are key to keeping troops safe on the front lines. By assigning perilous missions to these tenacious robots, soldiers can concentrate on more aggressive tactics.

Operation Sindoor showcased India's potent military response to a terror attack, demonstrating its ability to strike deep into Pakistan and dominate escalation ladders against nuclear rivals. The 88-hour operation highlighted India's conventional superiority, while also spurring advancements in air defence, drone warfare, and joint military operations to counter evolving threats.

Central Mali is reeling from a brutal wave of jihadist attacks, with at least 70 lives lost in recent days. The Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM has claimed responsibility for the coordinated assaults, which targeted villages that resisted their control. This escalating violence follows earlier deadly incidents and a prison raid, highlighting the persistent threat in the region.

The war in Ukraine showcases a rapid shift in modern warfare, with drones and robotic ground vehicles increasingly replacing soldiers in high-risk missions. China's advancements in humanoid combat robots and AI-powered systems signal a potential global arms race, while Ukraine's battlefield innovations highlight the growing role of automation and autonomous weapons.

Ukraine announced a ceasefire starting May 5-6, prioritizing human life over Victory Day commemorations, with President Zelenskyy criticizing Russia's focus on parades. Russia, however, declared its own truce from May 8-9, coinciding with WWII Victory Day, and warned of massive retaliation if Kyiv disrupts their celebrations.

Iran has responded to a US ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, seeking a permanent end to regional conflicts and guarantees for maritime security. President Trump rejected Tehran's position, calling it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" amid rising tensions and drone incidents in the Gulf.

Uganda's president , Yoweri Museveni, will be sworn in on Tuesday for his seventh term as the country's president after ruling the country for the last 40 years. His son has emerged as his de facto successor.

Germany is undertaking its most significant military overhaul in decades, aiming to build Europe's strongest army by 2029. This ambitious plan, spurred by global security shifts, involves expanding forces, enhancing multi-domain capabilities by 2035, and transforming into a tech-advanced military by 2039. Early successes include increased artillery shell production.

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

Mali faced coordinated attacks on Saturday. Gunfire and explosions were heard in the capital Bamako and near a military camp housing Russian mercenaries. Unidentified terrorist groups targeted several positions. Fighting continued in the capital and other regions. Security forces responded to the unfolding situation. Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM is suspected of involvement.

Fresh violence erupted across Mali early Saturday, with "unidentified armed terrorist groups" targeting multiple locations including the capital Bamako, its international airport, and the key military town of Kati. Attacks also spread to northern cities, with the Azawad Liberation Front reportedly entering Kidal. The defense minister's house in Kati was reportedly hit.

India and Russia have activated a logistics pact allowing each to station up to 3,000 troops, five warships and ten aircraft in the other’s territory for five years, extendable by mutual consent. The agreement enhances military cooperation, supports equipment servicing, enables joint exercises and missions, and grants reciprocal access to bases, strengthening interoperability in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.