Ukraine Strikes Vessels in Caspian; Iran Reports Fatality
Ukrainian long-range strikes hit vessels in the Caspian on 25 July. Iran reported an Iranian commercial ship was attacked, killing one sailor.
Russia
Russia news and current affairs. Coverage of Russian politics, military operations, foreign policy, and sanctions from The Oceania Cables
Germany Indicts Ukrainian in 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage
Germany files first criminal charges in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage against a Ukrainian national accused of coordinating the attack.
Major Ukrainian Drone Operation Targets Moscow Oil Refinery
Ukraine's drone strikes hit Moscow Oil Refinery, causing fires, explosions, and 17 injuries. Russia intercepts most drones; airports disrupted.
UK Commandos Interdict Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
UK Commandos seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel, disrupting illicit oil trade and enforcing sanctions.
Inside Putin’s Press Session: Russian Gains, Ukrainian Desertions, and Oreshnik Missile Tests
Inside SPIEF 2026: Putin reveals Russian gains in Ukraine, Oreshnik missile updates, high desertion rates, and alliances with China and India.
Russia to Target Kyiv, Warns Diplomats to Evacuate Amid Ongoing Conflict
Summary Russia has announced the commencement of systematic strikes on Kyiv, citing a May 22 drone attack in Starobelsk, Luhansk, as justification. Moscow claims the attack targeted a civilian dormitory, resulting in significant casualties, including teenagers, and has labeled Ukraine’s government as “Nazi and terrorist.” The Russian Foreign Ministry
Kyiv Targeted in Largest Coordinated Strikes Since Russian Invasion Began
Summary Between the night of May 23 and the early hours of May 24, 2026, Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, marking one of the most extensive aerial attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the
Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Starobilsk Dormitory: 21 Students Dead, 42 Injured
Summary In the early hours of May 22, 2026, a Ukrainian drone strike hit a student dormitory at the Starobilsk College of Luhansk Pedagogical University in Russian-occupied Starobilsk, Luhansk People’s Republic. Russian authorities report 21 fatalities and 42 injuries, with most victims being teenagers aged 14 to 18.
Russia and Belarus Simulate Nuclear Readiness in Joint Military Operations
Summary From May 19 to May 21, 2026, Russia and Belarus conducted joint military exercises involving nuclear-capable forces across multiple locations in both countries. The drills, confirmed by official statements from both governments and widely reported by international news agencies, included the deployment and simulated use of a range
Russia-China Summit 2026: Highlights from Putin’s Beijing Visit
Summary Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Beijing on May 19–20, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in Sino-Russian relations, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and the 30th anniversary of the strategic partnership. Hosted at the Great Hall
Moscow Targeted in Large Ukrainian Drone attack
Summary In the early hours of May 17, 2026, Moscow and its surrounding oblast were targeted in what Russian authorities described as the largest Ukrainian drone assault on the capital since the war began. Russian officials reported intercepting 81 drones directed at Moscow itself, with additional strikes in surrounding areas.
Coalition Collapse in Latvia: PM Siliņa Resigns After Drone Incident
Summary In May 2026, Latvia's coalition government collapsed following a crisis triggered by Ukrainian military drones—diverted by Russian electronic warfare—entering Latvian airspace near Rēzekne on May 7. The incident exposed critical failures in Latvia's defense response and set off a rapid political deterioration. Defense