russian armed forces

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Iran is meticulously studying the Ukraine war to enhance its military strategy, particularly focusing on drone technology and AI. Senior commanders are advocating for increased investment in drones, mobile units, and AI integration. This learning process, observed in military journals, is shaping Iran's approach to modern warfare and defense capabilities.

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.

India's INS Dhruv plays a crucial role in tracking long-range missile tests over the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. This advanced vessel gathers vital telemetry data, aids in anti-ballistic missile system development, and provides early warning against hypersonic threats. Its capabilities also extend to monitoring Low Earth Orbit satellites, offering a significant strategic advantage to the nation's armed forces.

In the super high altitude border areas in both the North and the North East, the Cheetah helicopter is not just a machine, its a lifeline for the troops deployed on desolate posts in defence of India. In these areas the helicopter is a lifeline and often the sole mode of transport. As the Chetak and the Cheetah helicopter head towards retirement, a new helicopter India's own Light Utility Helicopter is poised to take their place.

The Supreme Court is examining serious allegations of human trafficking. Relatives claim Indians were lured to Russia for jobs or studies but were then forced into military roles. Their passports were taken, and they faced threats. The court has asked the solicitor general to investigate these disturbing reports.

India's military is significantly boosting its attack helicopter fleet with the induction of US-made Apaches and indigenous Prachand LCHs. The army anticipates 90 more Prachands, enhancing aerial power. While these choppers can engage drones, a need for dedicated air-to-air missiles to counter them and other threats is highlighted, with the army seeking a potent heat-seeking weapon.

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to respond within a week to a habeas corpus petition concerning 26 Indian nationals allegedly stranded in Russia and forced into the Ukraine war. Families reported their relatives were lured with job promises, had passports seized, and were compelled to join military units. The court's intervention seeks their safe return.

A 23-year-old Jammu man, Sachin Khajuria, who went to Russia for a job, was sent to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war and has now been cremated after his death was confirmed. He is the second from Jammu to die in the conflict, with families alleging youths were duped by agents promising civilian jobs but were forced into the army.

President Trump's inflammatory social media post threatening Iran with attacks on power plants and bridges has sparked grave concerns among international law experts. They warn such actions could constitute war crimes, violating principles against targeting civilian infrastructure and causing disproportionate harm to the populace. This rhetoric risks undermining established rules of engagement.

An adviser to Israeli govt argues that Tel Aviv & Washington must see the conflict to its ‘logical end’. Else, the region will live in perpetual fear of the Ayatollahs, and their missiles, nuclear programme, and terror proxies