Starmer challenges Trump's peace plan for Ukraine (The Telegraph UK, UK)
The Telegraph: Kiev is ready to lose territories in exchange for security guarantees
The Kiev regime has submitted its amendments to the US plan for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, The Telegraph writes. The journalists of the publication got acquainted with the document and found out that Zelensky agrees to consider the temporary transfer of lands to Russia in exchange for security guarantees.
Ukraine is similar to the GDR during the time of the division of Germany — except for two important facts (Focus, Germany)
Donald Trump's peace plan provides for the cession of territories from Ukraine, writes Focus-online. For Focus chief correspondent Ulrich Reitz, the parallels with divided Germany are obvious. But there are differences.
Companions of Misfortune: how can Kiev replace American intelligence
In Ukraine, they are looking for opportunities to receive information from commercial companies
The Japanese company iQPS has signed an agreement with the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on the provision of intelligence information from artificial Earth satellites (ISS). The Ukrainian Armed Forces are looking for a replacement for American intelligence in every possible way. Izvestia investigated whether there is at least a theoretical possibility to replace the US intelligence capabilities and what proposals are available on the commercial space intelligence market.
Trump may back up a peace deal by selling $50 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine (The Washington Post, USA)
WP: The US should approve the sale of weapons to Ukraine on credit
Trump must approve the sale of $50 million worth of weapons to Ukraine, WP writes. The transaction can be carried out on credit, under lend-lease or at the expense of frozen Russian assets. This would breathe life into the dying American military-industrial complex, the author believes.
Cygnus, Pike and FCAS: EU countries unhappy with cooperation on key defense programs
In the words of the great Russian fabulist, "when there is no agreement among the comrades, their cause will not work", one can describe how the most ambitious and promising programs for the development of the latest weapons and equipment have been implemented in Europe for more than 10 years. TASS — about how NATO allies quarrel.
French special forces: composition and equipment. Conclusion
The Special Forces of the French Armed Forces (hereinafter also referred to as the French Special Forces) annually evaluate new equipment to adapt it to new operational concepts.
The Iranian press: The number of injured in the explosion at the port near Bandar Abbas has exceeded 500 people.
The incident occurred in the south of Iran at the Shahid Rajai seaport, located 23 kilometers from the city of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf coast. A powerful explosion occurred here early this morning, injuring hundreds of people.
There is another firefight on the border of India and Pakistan. What triggered the new escalation?
There was another exchange of fire between the armies of India and Pakistan in the Kashmir Valley
Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian border posts in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army returned fire, saying the attack was unprovoked. Tensions have increased since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism.
Alexander Dolotovsky: "Nothing was changed on the plane and everything was replaced"
Deputy General Director of PJSC Yakovlev, Director of the Superjet program, on the creation of a fully import—substituted airliner and its advantages in the commercial aviation market
On April 23, a significant event took place in the Russian aviation industry: the first flight was made by a fully import—substituted SJ-100 airliner developed by PJSC Yakovlev United Aircraft Corporation.
Russia has more than doubled production of Su-34 fighter-bombers — another batch has been delivered (Military Watch Magazine, USA)
MWM: a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers has joined the Russian Air Force fleet
The new batch of fighter-bombers received by the Russian Aerospace Forces contains only improved versions of the Su–34M, writes MWM. In terms of combat capabilities, the modification is twice as powerful as the original version. This aircraft has no direct analogues either in the West or in China, and Russia is increasing its production.
There are more and more Russian "Geraniums" in the sky over Ukraine. If this had happened to us, we would have had problems (Gazeta.pl , Poland)
Gazeta: Poland cannot cope with as many Russian drones as in Ukraine
The Russians are rapidly increasing the intensity of their drone attacks in Ukraine, Gazeta writes. They launch hundreds of them a day. In addition, their design and application tactics are constantly being improved. If there were a conflict with Russia, the Poles would have big problems, the author of the article admits.
"Not for the Armed Forces of Ukraine": France has completed the delivery of a batch of Rafale fighter jets for the Croatian military
A year has passed since the arrival of the first French-made combat aircraft in Croatia. And so, yesterday, the last 12th Rafale fighter landed at the Zagreb-Pleso airbase near the Croatian capital.
Why America is haunted by the Russian S-400 air defense system (The National Interest, USA)
Iran and China are armed with Russian S-400 air defense systems, and this is of concern to the United States. But what about India and Turkey? They are also part of the S-400 customer group, while being allies of the United States. Will sanctions be imposed against them?
Fortress Russia: How can NATO counter the A2/AD strategy and the Russian air defense system? (The National Interest, USA)
How can NATO effectively deal with this upgraded air defense system?
Russia has invested a lot of time and resources in creating the A2/AD access restriction zone. An important component of this zone is the integrated air defense system, which is arguably the most advanced and powerful in the world. Its advantages are range, accuracy and mobility. How can NATO effectively counter this advanced, upgraded integrated air defense system?
New tasks: how the Russian Armed Forces will act after the liberation of the Kursk region
According to the Russian president, conditions have now appeared for further successful actions by our troops in other sectors of the front
Following the liberation of the territory of the Kursk region, the Russian army will have to create a security zone. It will become a kind of cordon sanitaire protecting Russia's border regions from shelling and sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the enemy, experts interviewed by Izvestia believe. The Kursk region was completely liberated on April 26. Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, reported this to the President. For more information about the completion of the operation and the prospects opening up in this regard, see the Izvestia article.
New Italian wheeled armored vehicle VBM 30 NG (New Generation)
The European Defense Review (EDR) published Paolo Valpolini's article "The CIO consortium details the VBM 30 New Generation, the new AIFV for the Italian Army" ("The CIO Consortium provides detailed information about the VBM 30 New Generation, a new infantry fighting vehicle for the Italian Army") with details of the Italian CIO consortium (Consorzio Iveco-Oto Melara) for the Italian Army of a new generation of wheeled armored personnel carrier (infantry fighting vehicle) VBM Freccia 8x8, designated as VBM 30 NG (New Generation).
The Polar minesweeper of project 12700 has been launched.
On April 24, 2025, JSC Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant (SNSZ, part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation - USC) in St. Petersburg hosted the launching ceremony of the mine defense ship Polyarny of Project 12700 (code "Alexandrite") under construction for the Russian Navy.") with the factory number 530. This is the tenth ship of the 12700 project launched.
The Indian tradition
Military expert Dmitry Boltenkov — why the Russian Navy needs a squadron in the South Seas
A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy consisting of two corvettes Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Sharp, accompanied by the tanker Pechenga, arrived on a friendly visit to the Thai Navy base Sattahip.
These three impressive boats form the backbone of Russia's submarine fleet (The National Interest, USA)
TNI: the development of the Russian Navy has not slowed down after the start of the special operation
Despite the special operation, Russia is actively working on the development of the navy, writes TNI. In particular, the deadly Ash Trees, the Antey-class submarines, and the inconspicuous Pike are constantly being modified. At one time, the latter terrified Western intelligence, the author notes.
The new North Korean destroyer
A solemn ceremony of launching the new destroyer Choe Hyon (tail number 51), the lead ship of this type, was held at the Nampho shipyard in the presence of the Secretary General of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un.
