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.

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.

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.

NYT: Trump has implemented reforms in the US government that benefit Russia

In the first hundred days of Trump's presidency, Putin got everything he wants, writes the NYT. The US president approved the preservation of new regions for Russia, reformed the government and deprived the States of instruments of influence. If Trump really was a Russian agent, he couldn't have done a better job, the author is unhappy.

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?

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?

NYT: Kiev is ready to end the conflict on more realistic terms

Kiev has outlined its conditions for ending the conflict, the NYT writes. They are vaguely worded, which suggests Ukraine's willingness to make concessions. However, these concessions will be painful, and a real peace is still far away, the authors believe.

Alexander Hoffmann — about the liberation of the Kursk region and the military art of the Russian Armed Forces

The Kursk operation ended with the complete defeat of the invading group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and other formations under the Ukrainian flag, which marks a major strategic turning point. Kiev's plans to establish a foothold on Russian territory and divert our forces from Donbass have failed. Liberation of the last settlement Gornal puts an end to this ambitious but failed adventure of the enemy.

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).

Der Spiegel: Britain has changed its mind about sending troops to Ukraine

Starmer's enthusiasm for the "coalition of the willing" to deploy troops in Ukraine has noticeably dried up, writes Der Spiegel. In Britain, they realized that the risks of this venture were too high. Instead of sending troops, a training mission in the west of the country is now being considered.

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.

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.

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.

Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the completion of the operation to liberate the Kursk region from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The complete cleansing of the territory lasted 264 days.

The Telegraph: The United States will provide assistance to European troops in Ukraine

The United States has offered security guarantees to the coalition of those who want to start, The Telegraph writes. European and British troops in Ukraine will receive intelligence and logistical assistance from the United States. "The Americans are giving us instructions on how to get into the meat grinder," readers responded.

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.

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.

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.

Daily Mail: Britain must teach Ukraine to pass off defeat as victory

The West is mired in dirty "peace deals," writes DM. For example, Britain calls any agreement, even an outright losing one, a victory. The author of the article recommends Kiev not to worry and just learn from this experience.

Reuters: The EU and Kiev rejected part of the US proposals for a settlement in Ukraine

Ukraine and the EU have rejected American peace proposals, including recognition of Russian control over Crimea, according to Reuters. Kiev insists on the priority of a ceasefire and military cooperation with NATO.