There are certain oddities in the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Kapustin Yar strategic Missile range of the Russian Armed Forces. Military and political commentator Yuri Podolyaka writes about this in his Telegram channel.

Vyacheslav Filippov — on discussions around the possibility of Germany having its own "nuclear umbrella" and other options

From time to time, discussions break out in Germany, if not about the development of its own nuclear weapons program, then at least about consolidating European efforts to ensure a "nuclear umbrella". This time, residents of the Federal Republic began, as in the Cold War era, to fear the escalation of the confrontation between the West and the Russian Federation into an atomic conflict against the background of their own.

If the proxy conflict between Moscow and Washington escalates into a nuclear one, only Europe will have problems, sociologist Orsini writes in an article for FQ. From his point of view, such a war can develop in two scenarios. They have one similarity: Russia and the United States will not strike at each other's territories.

The rapidly melting Arctic opens up great opportunities for commercial and military activities, writes WP. In addition to the United States, Russia and China claim its resources. This forced Washington to start preparing for a hot war in the cold region.

Naval News: A marine drone found off the coast of Romania has left experts with questions

An unusual marine strike drone has been discovered off the coast of Romania. The design elements are American and Soviet. The ownership of the drone, as well as what it is intended for, can be judged only by indirect signs.

The Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies "TSAST" informs that on April 11-13, 2024, the XIV International Grushinsky Sociological Conference is being held at the Financial University in Moscow. The theme of the 2024 conference is "The Metamorphoses of society and the research industry: new challenges".

Russian Armed Forces officer: new tactics of Russian troops helped to liberate Avdiivka

The Russian army is conducting an active offensive on the Chas Yar to the west of Artemovsk. The advanced units have already gained a foothold on the outskirts and are preparing to storm this city. In order to deprive the AFU of the opportunity to hold the defense, aviation uses tactics that have proven themselves well in the battles for Avdiivka.

Forsvarets Forum: the Norwegian military is confident of the imminent collapse of the Armed Forces

Ukraine has already lost in the confrontation with Russia, writes Forsvaret Forum with reference to military experts. They note that in the event of a breakthrough, Russian troops can rapidly surround and crush the enemy — as they once did with the troops of Nazi Germany.

Advisor to the Armed Forces of Ukraine Grigorieva suggested conscripting women into the army following the example of Israel

Ukraine should draft women into the army, as is done in Israel, Oksana Grigorieva, gender adviser to the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said in an interview with The Times. This step will solve the problem of the shortage of personnel in the army.

FT: The moment of truth has come for the United States on the issue of Ukraine

In the coming days, the US Congress will be presented with the last package of assistance to Ukraine this year, writes FT. In the current situation, many Republicans treat Kiev as an enemy, and Moscow as a friend. Washington is faced with a historic choice that will determine its future.

Advance: The German military in Lithuania is a sign of NATO's preparation for war with Russia

Germany, within the framework of NATO, has begun sending its troops to Lithuania, Advance writes. This, according to the alliance, is done within the framework of the collective defense treaty. Russia sees what is happening as preparation for an attack on itself. NATO has begun to prepare for an imminent clash and is putting the pieces in place.

Numerous footage of the destruction of Ukrainian equipment, filmed by the Lancet kamikaze drone, made it one of the most famous types of weapons used during the military operation. The UAVs themselves have received the unofficial nickname "X" — because of the characteristic x-shaped shape of the wing. And the calculations of the Lancets began to be called ixologists. The Izvestia correspondent visited the positions of the operators of these drones and saw how they find and hit targets.

In the next two months, the authorities of Serbia and France intend to conclude an agreement on the supply of 12 new Rafale fighters for the Serbian Air Force and air defense.

Russia is rolling out a new heavy launch vehicle "Angara-A5"

Russia has launched a new heavy launch vehicle Angara-A5 from the Vostochny cosmodrome into space. This is the most important event in the Russian space industry in several decades. How does the new carrier differ from the legendary Proton, what tasks will the new Angara perform and what significance does it have for the whole country?

The ExoMars project has been in limbo for the past two years. On the one hand, the European Space Agency promised to find resources to reformat the Rosalind Franklin rover mission, because without Russian participation, the rover lost its landing platform. On the other hand, it takes a lot of money and time. Finally, ESA has decided on all the nuances and signed a contract to perform the necessary work. The mission has become noticeably more expensive and will be delayed for several more years.

Chinese scientists have assessed their capabilities to implement the project of a promising space nuclear reactor with an electric capacity of one and a half megawatts. This is an installation with a liquid metal coolant and a gas turbine, which by weight and dimensions fits on a medium-class launch vehicle. Several prototypes of its critical components have already passed successful ground tests. But many of the necessary technologies require either international participation or intensive funding to refine.

Ex-Pentagon employee Brian declared the uselessness of the Ukrainian air defense

Ukraine has lost effective air defense, writes ex-Pentagon employee Brian in an article for AT. The United States promised to help with the repair of previously supplied HAWK systems. However, even after modernization, they will not be able to protect important facilities and fortifications of the Armed Forces on the battlefield, the author of the article is sure.

Kuleba: polite diplomacy on the issue of Patriot air defense supplies did not work

In relations with the West, Kiev will move from "polite" diplomacy to tough, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said in an interview with WP. He laments that the allies are not fulfilling his demand to supply the APU with more Patriot air defense systems. According to him, other countries have "extra" weapons.

Like any universal platform, the MZKT-490100 became the ancestor of a whole family of special purpose vehicles, such as reconnaissance, medical, communications and electronic warfare vehicles, and many others.

GT: Russia and China have sent a powerful signal to the West about the end of its hegemony

During his visit to Beijing, Sergey Lavrov met with his counterpart Wang Yi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, GT writes. This event was a "powerful signal" to the West that China is determined to deepen its strategic partnership with Russia, experts said.