20 May 2026
Russia
The Russian military began a three-day major nuclear exercise. The drills will take place between 19-21 May, involve 64,000 military personnel and 7,800 pieces of equipment, include the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, and take place across regions in the Leningrad and Central military districts.
President Putin is in China conducting talks with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping. The two leaders signed a declaration focused on building a “multipolar world”. This comes after President Donald Trump flew to China to meet with Xi and returned with no major deals.
Ukraine-Russia War
Russian intelligence claims that Ukraine is preparing to launch drones from Latvia. Latvian officials quickly dismissed this allegation. Latvia does not allow Ukrainian drones to operate in its airspace to attack Russia.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Army is preparing an appropriate response to the alleged use of Latvian territory for Ukrainian drone operations.
Ukraine’s intelligence service believes that Russia is now outfitting missile warheads with depleted uranium, particularly Uranium-235 and Uranium-238. Radiation levels were detected from an unexploded R-60 air-to-air missile, which was equipped on a modified Geran-2 drone and used by Russian forces to target Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft conducting air defence missions.
Iran
German intelligence warns that Iran may increase activity in Europe after the war. Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV), Germany’s domestic intelligence service, assesses that Iran could target (pro-)Jewish, (pro-)Israeli and US targets, Iranian dissidents, and other individuals deemed ‘traitors’.
The IRGC warns that a new US attack will widen the war. The IRGC threatens that it will open new fronts beyond the Middle East.
Nigeria
The Nigerian government claims that joint strikes with the US resulted in the deaths of 175 IS-West Africa Province militants. Air strikes and ground operations with the US Africa Command destroyed checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and financing networks.
North Korea
North Korea started construction at an air base only 30 kilometres from the South Korean border. Satellite imagery shows that some buildings have been destroyed, and a worker camp has been established. It is believed to be a modernization effort that may enable the stationing of drones and new military equipment and assets.
Israel
Israel is detaining hundreds of activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla at the southern port of Ashdod. It is believed that there are over 430 activists on this flotilla, which originated in Turkey.
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, voted unanimously to dissolve parliament. Israeli elections will have to take place no later than 27 October. Obviously, this means that Netanyahu’s leadership will be a question for the voters to answer.
Social Media Wires
Israel detaining activists
Depleted uranium detected on Russian missile
Featured Photo: “Putin and Xi, c. 2023 – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
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