Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery in long-range drone attack, Kyiv says Ukraine has been ramping up its retaliatory long-range strikes on Russia in recent weeks, particularly targeting oil infrastructure. Euronews · May 21
Russia delivers nuclear warheads to Belarus as NATO tensions spike Russia has delivered nuclear munitions to field storage facilities in Belarus as part of major nuclear drills amid tensions with European NATO members sparked by drone incursions in the Baltic. Euronews · May 21
How different were Trump and Putin's visits to China Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump's visit focused on stabilizing ties with the US. Putin's trip deepened China's strategic partnership with Russia. Agreements were signed with Russia, while US deals were announced later. Both leaders discussed Taiwan, with Russia supporting… The Economic Times · May 21
Ukraine says its drones hit another refinery deep inside Russia as long-range strikes escalate Ukrainian drones have struck another Russian refinery, igniting a fire and producing massive black smoke The Independent UK · May 21
Video captures moment Russian jet flies just metres from RAF spy plane above Black Sea It is the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea in 2022 Evening Standard · May 21
Quote of the day by Napoleon Bonaparte: 'If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver...' - Former French Emperor’s thought-provoking lesson on success and deception Quote of the day by Napoleon Bonaparte: Napoleon Bonaparte, a Corsican military genius, rose from humble beginnings to become Emperor of the French. His daring campaigns reshaped Europe. He introduced the Napoleonic Code, promoting equality and property rights. Despite his ambition, his invasion of Russia led to his downfall. He… The Economic Times · May 21
Xi Jinping set to visit North Korea and ‘act as mediator between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un’, South Korea says Chinese president is reportedly travelling to neighbouring country after back-to-back meetings with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin The Independent UK · May 21
Many Nato countries not spending enough to support Ukraine, says Rutte – as it happened Nato chief delivers speech in Sweden as he hints at further changes to US military commitments to Europe The Guardian - UK · May 21
Newsletter: NATO alliance and Balts hold the defensive line As NATO foreign ministers meet in Sweden on Thursday to discuss the role of Washington in the military alliance, as well as dwindling ammunition stocks, the Baltics are coming to grips with repeated drone incursions threatening chaos in capitals – and Europe's eastern flank. Euronews · May 21
Europe’s risk from Ukrainian drones as Russia’s jamming tech throws them off course For the first time in a NATO and European Union capital, Lithuanians were pictured sheltering The Independent UK · May 21
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump dispatches 5,000 troops to Poland as Nato jets scrambled over Baltics Trump had threatened to withdraw troops from Europe earlier this month The Independent UK · May 21
Playing host to Putin and Trump, China sends a message – it’s now in the driver’s seat It’s been quite a week for Beijing, with back-to-back visits by the leaders of the United States and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has had his hands full with hosting duties, gun salutes, photo opportunities and high-level talks. The Conversation · May 21
China and Russia Move Toward 40 Agreements After Trump-Xi Summit Produced Limited Commitments Russian President Putin visits Beijing to strengthen ties with China, signing 40 agreements amid global tensions. The visit follows Trump's summit with Xi, which yielded limited concrete outcomes. International Business Times UK · May 21
France 24 · May 21 US needs to 'put its footprint back on Greenland', says Trump envoy US special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry said on Wednesday Washington needed to rebuild its presence on the Arctic island, where the United States once operated 17 military facilities during the Cold War. President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is vital to prevent China or…
Evening Standard · May 20 PM ‘reaffirms’ Ukraine backing in call with Zelensky amid sanctions criticism Downing Street said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had ‘reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine’ in his call with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Barchart · May 20 Crude Oil Prices Plummet on Speculation Strait of Hormuz Could Soon Reopen July WTI crude oil (CLN26 ) on Wednesday closed down -5.89 (-5.66%), and July RBOB gasoline (RBN26 ) closed down -0.1911 (-5.35%). Crude oil and gasoline prices plunged on Wednesday, with gasoline falling to a 1.5-week low. Crude price plummeted on Wednesday after President Trump said the US is in...
The Guardian - UK · May 20 UK struggles to reassure Ukraine after easing new sanctions on Russian oil Diplomats mount salvage operation after ‘clumsy’ announcement upsets Kyiv
The Times of India · May 20 Russian warplanes ‘repeatedly’ intercepted RAF spy plane over Black Sea Russian fighter jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, disabling its autopilot and coming within metres of its nose. The Ministry of Defence condemned the "unacceptable behaviour" as the most dangerous encounter since 2022, risking accidents and escalation.
The Economic Times · May 20 Russian jets 'dangerously' intercept UK aircraft over Black Sea Russian fighter jets repeatedly and dangerously intercepted a British surveillance plane over the Black Sea. The Russian aircraft flew extremely close to the British plane, triggering emergency systems. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia. The UK government has lodged a formal complaint with the Russian embassy.
The Times of India · May 20 Two superpowers, one host: How Xi handled Trump and Putin differently Within days of each other, Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet in Beijing for two of the world’s most powerful and controversial leaders: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The near-identical military ceremonies, cannon salutes and choreographed welcomes were carefully designed to project China…
International Business Times UK · May 20 Donald Trump Dismisses Vladimir Putin's Beijing Pomp, Claims His Welcome Ceremony 'Topped' Russia's Leader Vladimir Putin met Xi Jinping in Beijing days after Xi hosted Donald Trump, highlighting deepening China-Russia ties amid global tensions and sanctions.
The Guardian - UK · May 20 Russian jet causes ‘dangerous’ near miss after flying close to RAF spy plane UK calls incident ‘unacceptable’ after Su-27 jet comes within six metres of unarmed RAF plane over Black Sea
The Independent UK · May 20 Ukrainian MP says lifting sanctions on Russian oil puts ‘question mark’ over friendship with UK The Ukrainian MP said the decision told Russia that ‘everything can be bought and everything is for sale’
The Economic Times · May 20 Xi plays a masterful hand amid Trump’s chaos and Putin’s decline Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in China, projecting unity against US dominance. They signed agreements and criticized US defense policies. However, Russia's economic dependence on China is evident, while China carefully manages its global interests. This summit highlights China's strategic balancing act between the US…