Russia

Russia published images from a nuclear forces drill.

Marco Rubio on Cuba:

Cuba not only has weapons acquired from Russia and China, but they also host a Russian and Chinese intelligence presence in their country.

So Cuba has always posed a national security threat to the US.

Putin and Xi discussed a proposal to move Iran's enriched uranium to Russia for storage, according to the Russian Interfax news agency.

Portugal's Dom Francisco de Almeida frigate pursued a Russian Yury Ivanov-class intelligence vessel after it approached NATO's Dynamic Mongoose exercise in the Baltic.

- @Osinttechnical

Russia's Syzran refinery still burning after Ukrainian drone attack.

Britain released cockpit footage of Russian Su-27 and Su-35 jets intercepting an RAF RC-135 surveillance plane over the Black Sea. The UK called it a "dangerous intercept" during a routine reconnaissance mission. Crew completed the flight safely.

NATO's Rutte:

We know China was active in sanction circumvention and delivering dual-use goods.

I’ve never been naive about China’s role when it comes to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Reporter: Do you think Russia can use nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine?

NATO SG Rutte: Well, they know if that happens the reaction is devastating.

NATO's Rutte:

Europe, with the UK and Türkiye and with Norway, is over 500 million people.

We are facing an adversary in Russia of about 120 to 140 million people.

And we are now overly dependent on one ally with about 350 million people making sure that we can defend ourselves against Russia.

That's not sustainable long term.

Xi Jinping:

President Putin has already visited China for the 25th time.

This in itself demonstrates the high level and special nature of China–Russia relations.

Putin: Russia and China are committed to an independent and sovereign foreign policy.

We work together in the name of peace and universal prosperity.

Putin and Xi signed a statement committing to deeper Russia-China ties.

Kremlin correspondent: Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expected in Russia "soon."

Vice President Vance says Russia taking possession of Iran's enriched uranium is not the U.S. plan, has not been proposed by Tehran, and is not being pursued by Washington.

Russia's Rostec released the first official photos of a twin-seat Su-57 fighter. Test flights of the prototype have begun, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who said the jet will serve as a combat trainer and combat control aircraft in addition to its strike role.

Ukraine's top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi says Russia is actively calculating and planning offensive operations from the north through Belarus, calling the threat real.

Russia's Rosatom says it expects to restore staffing at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant within weeks.

Russia began scheduled nuclear force drills running through May 21, practicing preparation and potential deployment of nuclear weapons based in Belarus. The exercises span Strategic Missile Forces, long-range aviation, multiple fleets, and two military districts, involving more than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships, and 13 submarines.

Drone threat declared in the Moscow region.

The alert comes 2 days after one of Ukraine’s largest drone attacks on the Russian capital region.

The war is increasingly reaching deep inside Russia.

Russian military channels claims Ukraine is now deploying FPV drones with AI guidance that locks onto heat signatures to strike Russian infantry.

Russia wrapping its warships in anti-drone nets after Ukraine kept hitting the fleet.

Senator Graham:

Trump put a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil.

There will come a moment where China will have to be held accountable for what they’re doing.

Video from earlier today shows a huge explosion at an LPG filling station in Pyatigorsk, Russia.

@Osinttechnical, @neonhandrail

Bolton:

Putin wants Trump focused on Iran and China, buying time in Ukraine. Russia expected big territorial gains this spring.

Instead, they lost ground. By August or September, Putin needs a new plan. What he's tried for 12 months hasn't worked.

Zelensky released intelligence documents and satellite imagery showing Russia is preparing strikes on around 20 "decision-making centers" across Ukraine. His residence near Kyiv, the presidential administration building, and underground leadership bunkers are among the targets listed.