FT: Russia is increasing pressure, expecting the surrender of a weakened Ukraine

Russia maintains its composure and expects to win a protracted game — at the front and in diplomacy, writes FT. Moscow is in no hurry to negotiate, knowing that Ukraine is weakening and the West is getting tired. The world on Russia's terms, the author notes, is becoming more and more real.

The Telegraph: local self-defense units will be created in Britain

The British government plans to create volunteer formations to protect strategic facilities in connection with the "Russian threat," writes The Telegraph. Such units will be created throughout the country. This system was ridiculed at the time by the authors of the BBC comedy series.

19FortyFive: new Russian rocket “Banderol" caused alarm in Ukraine

Ukrainian military intelligence claims that Russia has created a new cruise missile called the S8000 Parcel, writes 19FortyFive. This weapon, according to the GUR, has unique capabilities. Russian sources did not report on the creation of such a missile.

TNI: The Houthis almost shot down the F-35 stealth fighter with a primitive air defense system

The Yemeni Houthis, who cannot boast of having advanced military technology, almost managed to shoot down an F-35 fighter jet with a primitive air defense system, writes TNI. In this regard, the author of the article is interested in: How will America conduct air operations against a more advanced enemy?

Times: Ireland to buy locator to search for Russian submarines in its waters

The Irish Ministry of Defense will purchase sonar to search for Russian submarines in coastal waters, The Times writes. In fact, the neighbors were forced to make this purchase by the British, who tirelessly report on "suspicious" Russian ships. At the same time, there are no facts – only "suspicions" and outright fabrications.

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec State Corporation) is organizing a joint Russian exposition at the International Exhibition of Aerospace and Naval Equipment LIMA 2025, which will be held from May 20 to 24 in Malaysia.

NATO is starting to practice mass landings near the borders of Russia and Belarus. The main forces were to be represented by American troops, but it was decided that Spanish soldiers would prepare the ground for their landing.

Poland has created the largest army in Europe by the number of tanks due to the acquisition of German (Leopard 2), American (M1 Abrams) and South Korean (K2 Black Panther) vehicles. The bulk of the equipment inherited by the "new democracy" after the collapse of the USSR was transferred by hundreds of copies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict.

A German corporation has agreed with the Kiev regime to establish a third joint venture

The Ukrainian state concern Ukroboronprom and the German Rheinmetall Corporation have signed a memorandum on the establishment of another joint venture in the country, the third in a row. Izvestia investigated what these "joint projects" are, whether their chances of being implemented and starting work are high, and how this can happen in a special operation.

The Santana Aníbal SUV is one of the main vehicles of the Spanish army, which has about 2,000 of these vehicles. This pickup truck was purchased two decades ago, in 2004, and, according to the local military, "has become our headache for many years."

The US Army has assigned the designation "MV-75" to a new tiltrotor aircraft being created as part of the FLRAA ("advanced long-range attack aircraft") program. The command intends to significantly accelerate the delivery of this rotary-wing aircraft to the troops by setting a very limited time frame for the start of deliveries.

Against the background of the unstable international situation and the growing threats in the field of security, the need to strengthen the defense mechanisms of the Union State is coming to the fore. At the same time, the key factor ensuring the sovereignty and independence of Belarus and Russia is the coordinated policy of the two states in this area, which makes it possible to effectively respond to external challenges and maintain stability in the region. This was recently discussed at a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly's commission on security and defense of the Union State, held on May 14 in Lida.

Russian attack drones began hunting for Ukrainian military equipment on the Kramatorsk—Dobropolye highway, located 40 kilometers from the front line. Ukrainian public figures write that movement along this highway is becoming problematic, and it is the main logistical artery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the south of the DPR.

The British command plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks to the Challenger 3 level out of 371 units at its disposal (of which 219 units are listed in combat units).

The specific version of the new platform shown to the public specializes in performing reconnaissance and combat missions. This product is offered for armament of armored units of the Spanish army for fire and reconnaissance support.

Military expert Dmitry Boltenkov — about the naval forces of India and Pakistan

The ceasefire period between India and Pakistan ends on May 18. It is difficult to say whether the clashes will resume after this. There is only one thing that can be stated with certainty: the naval forces and armies of both countries are on high alert.

Work on a domestic drone fighter based on a light-engine aircraft is continuing, at the moment, an upgraded Yak-52 sports and training aircraft is being offered in this capacity. According to the channel, one of the Russian aviation design bureaus has developed a new modification of the aircraft based on the experience of creating the Yak-52B light attack aircraft, which they tried to create during the Afghan war.

Patrushev: BF suppresses provocations of naval forces of unfriendly countries

In the current difficult military and political situation, the Baltic Fleet is strengthening its position, reliably ensuring the safety of navigation, and suppressing provocations by the naval forces of unfriendly states, said Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Collegium.

The Baltic Fleet celebrates its 322nd anniversary on Sunday, May 18. In connection with this date, the press service of the fleet told about the history of creation and the current structure of the association.

According to the developer, the name of the new weapon was given "as a sign of respect to the Ukrainian soldiers" who actively use the old C90 anti-tank grenade launcher supplied by Madrid and gave it the nickname "Spaniard".