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The Latest: Trump rejects Iran’s latest proposal as Democrats confront Hegseth over war

The Latest: Trump rejects Iran’s latest proposal as Democrats confront Hegseth over war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced nearly six hours of questioning Wednesday from House lawmakers for the first time since President Donald Trump’s administration launched the war against Iran
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Ukraine's Drone Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities, Escalating Tensions

Ukraine's Drone Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities, Escalating Tensions

Ukraine has intensified its use of drones to target Russian oil infrastructure, with a recent attack on a facility in the Perm region, over 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. This attack is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure, which is crucial for its war efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the increased range and precision of Ukraine's drone strikes, marking a new phase in their military strategy. The Ukrainian Security Service claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted a key oil hub owned by Russia's pipeline operator, Transneft. This development comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, causing significant damage and casualties.
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Russia says it's scaling down WW2 victory parade due to Ukrainian threat

Russia says it's scaling down WW2 victory parade due to Ukrainian threat

By Mark Trevelyan LONDON, April 29 (Reuters) - Russia will hold a slimmed-down version of its annual parade to celebrate victory in World War Two, without the usual display of weaponry, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, citing an increased threat of Ukrainian attacks.
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Global military spending rises 2.9% despite US decline over Ukraine freeze

Global military spending rises 2.9% despite US decline over Ukraine freeze

By Johan Ahlander STOCKHOLM, April 27 (Reuters) - Global military spending rose 2.9% in 2025 despite a 7.5% decline in the United States as President Donald Trump halted new financial military aid to Ukraine, a report by a conflict think-tank showed on Monday.
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President Trump Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Putin and Zelenskiy to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

President Trump Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Putin and Zelenskiy to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump has confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict through discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In a recent interview on Fox News' 'The Sunday Briefing,' Trump stated that he has had 'good conversations' with both leaders as part of his initiative to end the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump emphasized the challenges posed by the animosity between Putin and Zelenskiy, describing it as 'ridiculous' and a hindrance to peace efforts. Despite these challenges, Trump remains optimistic about achieving a resolution.
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U.S. Military Spending Decreases Amid Global Rise in Defense Expenditures

U.S. Military Spending Decreases Amid Global Rise in Defense Expenditures

In 2025, the United States saw a 7.5% decrease in military spending, bringing its total to $954 billion. This reduction was primarily due to the cessation of new financial military aid to Ukraine, contrasting with the previous three years where $127 billion was allocated. Despite this decrease, the U.S. continued to invest in nuclear and conventional military capabilities to maintain its strategic dominance. Globally, military spending increased by 2.9% to $2.89 trillion, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth. This rise was driven by significant increases in Europe and Asia, with European spending up by 14% and Asian spending by 8.1%.
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Russian Public Discontent Rises Amid Prolonged Ukraine War and Economic Struggles

Russian Public Discontent Rises Amid Prolonged Ukraine War and Economic Struggles

President Vladimir Putin is facing increasing discontent within Russia as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. The Russian economy is suffering under the weight of international sanctions, leading to a significant drop in Putin's approval ratings. According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, Putin's approval has fallen to 65.6%, the lowest since the war began. The economic situation is exacerbated by high inflation and interest rates, which have stifled investment and led to record nonpayments of commercial bills. Public dissatisfaction is also fueled by government-imposed internet restrictions, which have disrupted daily life and revived memories of Soviet-era repression. Criticism from Russia's financial elite and public figures is becoming more vocal, highlighting the government's disconnect from economic realities.
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Russia's New Cruise Missile Contains Western-Made Parts, Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals

Russia's New Cruise Missile Contains Western-Made Parts, Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals

Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that Russia's new S-71K 'Kovyor' cruise missile is built with electronic components sourced from Western countries, including the US, Germany, and Japan. Despite global sanctions, these components have found their way into Russian weaponry through civilian markets and states that bypass export rules. The missile, developed by Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, features a turbojet engine and a fragmentation-explosive warhead. It was first used against Ukraine in late 2025. The report highlights the challenges in enforcing sanctions and preventing critical technologies from reaching Russia's defense industry.
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Iran Seeks Russian Mediation in U.S. Nuclear Standoff Amid Ongoing Blockade

Iran Seeks Russian Mediation in U.S. Nuclear Standoff Amid Ongoing Blockade

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Russia to discuss potential mediation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear standoff. The visit is part of Iran's broader strategy to engage multiple international actors to resolve the conflict. The U.S. has extended a ceasefire, but a permanent resolution remains elusive. Russia's involvement is seen as crucial, given its past role in facilitating nuclear agreements. Iran is seeking to leverage Russia's influence to address the issue of its enriched uranium stockpile, a major sticking point in negotiations. The visit underscores Iran's efforts to internationalize the conflict resolution process.
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North Korea Opens Memorial Museum for Soldiers Killed in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

North Korea Opens Memorial Museum for Soldiers Killed in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

North Korea has inaugurated a memorial museum in Pyongyang to honor its soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The museum's opening marks the one-year anniversary of the end of an operation to liberate Russia's Kursk region from Ukrainian forces. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony, which was also attended by high-ranking Russian officials, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, and Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov. During the event, Kim paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and emphasized the heroism of the North Korean and Russian forces. The North Korean government has not disclosed the exact number of troops deployed, but South Korean intelligence estimates that around 15,000 North Korean soldiers were sent, with approximately 2,000 casualties.
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Russian drone attack wounds 14 while Ukrainian drones kill 2 in Russia-held area

Russian drone attack wounds 14 while Ukrainian drones kill 2 in Russia-held area

Authorities in Ukraine say a Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa has wounded 14 people including two children
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North Korea Opens Memorial Museum for Troops Killed in Russia-Ukraine War, Strengthening Ties with Russia

North Korea Opens Memorial Museum for Troops Killed in Russia-Ukraine War, Strengthening Ties with Russia

North Korea has inaugurated a memorial museum in Pyongyang to honor its soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The museum's opening marks the one-year anniversary of the end of an operation to liberate Russia's Kursk region from Ukrainian forces. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony, which was also graced by high-ranking Russian officials, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, and Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov. During the event, Kim paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and emphasized the heroism of North Korean troops. The ceremony also included a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the friendship and solidarity between North Korea and Russia. The two nations have pledged to enhance their military cooperation, with discussions of a military cooperation plan for 2027-2031.