Arm

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree, effective immediately, raising the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The decree replaces all previous staffing decrees and marks the seventh increase in Russia's military strength since the invasion of Ukraine, continuing a steady pattern of force expansion.

Ethiopia's army chief has publicly accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigrayan rebel forces, a striking charge against three of Ethiopia's neighbours. The claim escalates rhetoric around the Tigray conflict and threatens to deepen regional tensions, with the accusation reported by major international outlets including the Washington Post and ABC News.

A US assessment warns that Saudi Arabia could still seek nuclear weapons despite ongoing diplomatic engagement with Washington. The finding raises questions about the future of non-proliferation in the Gulf, especially as Riyadh continues to insist it would match any Iranian nuclear capability. Analysts say the warning could complicate efforts to conclude a US-Saudi defence and normalisation package.

Iran has denied any connection to an attack on an airbase, while a UK minister warned that Iranian 'proxies' may be behind such strikes. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions, with officials in London suggesting Tehran backs armed groups capable of launching attacks on military installations. Tehran rejects any role in the incident.

Sudanese authorities have declared that foreign interference in the country must end and that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces must be disarmed. The statement adds to Khartoum's diplomatic pressure as the conflict with the RSF continues, with the government framing outside involvement and the paramilitary's weapons as central obstacles to stability.

Ethiopia's military has pledged to show restraint as concerns grow that the country could slide back into a new civil war. The promise comes amid rising tensions, with observers warning that renewed large-scale conflict remains a serious risk for the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Western actions in Ukraine, repeating Moscow's position that the West is fueling the conflict through its support for Kyiv. The remarks come as the war continues to dominate international diplomacy, with Western governments maintaining arms supplies and sanctions against Russia while Moscow blames NATO expansion for the crisis.

Fuel prices are climbing worldwide as threats issued by Donald Trump and ongoing armed conflicts weigh on energy markets. Traders and analysts are tracking how sanctions rhetoric, military escalation and supply disruption risks could push crude oil and refined fuel costs further up, leaving governments and consumers bracing for more expensive energy in the weeks ahead.

Sudan's government has declared that foreign interference in the country must end and that the Rapid Support Forces must be disarmed. The statement comes amid the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has displaced millions and drawn accusations of outside backing for the paramilitary group. The government insists that disarming the RSF is essential to restoring stability and sovereignty.

Sudan's war has left the country with two rival power structures and no internationally endorsed government. The army-backed administration controls much of the formal state machinery, while the Rapid Support Forces exercises authority over territory it holds. Washington's position that neither side represents legitimate constitutional rule leaves Sudan effectively without a recognised governing authority, raising questions about diplomacy, aid and the war's endgame.

US intelligence assessments indicate that Saudi Arabia continues to harbour intentions of developing nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by WION. The finding points to Riyadh's persisting interest in nuclear arms despite ongoing diplomatic discussions about regional security and potential agreements with the United States. The revelation raises questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and how Washington will respond to its Gulf ally's ambitions.

The Pentagon is considering a new nuclear strategy intended to deter regional wars rather than solely great-power conflict. Reports indicate the plan would adjust how US nuclear capabilities are postured to discourage limited regional aggressions by nuclear-armed or threshold states. Details of the review, including any changes to employment policy or force structure, remain undisclosed as discussions continue within the Defense Department.

The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a terrorist using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home in Gaza. The clip, shared publicly by the IDF, is being presented as evidence of armed groups embedding operations among civilians and involving minors. The claim has not been independently verified, and reactions to the footage are circulating widely as the Gaza conflict continues.

Ukraine's General Staff says its forces struck a Russian defense plant that produces components for missiles. The attack targets Russia's military-industrial capacity as the war continues. Further details on damage or casualties were not immediately provided, and Russia has not yet commented on the strike.

An analyst told RFI that Washington has 'alienated' Sudan's army amid what he described as a 'complex war' gripping the country. The assessment points to strained relations between the United States and Sudan's military leadership as the conflict continues, with criticism that US policy has misjudged the army's role in the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree raising the official size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, according to Russian state agency TASS. The increase continues a pattern of expansion since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and signals Moscow's intent to sustain a prolonged military campaign.

A 60 Minutes report examines how the race to build artificial intelligence is driving a rapid expansion of data centers across the United States, and the growing resistance from communities where the facilities are being built. Residents have raised concerns over energy demands, water use, noise and strain on local power grids, turning data center approvals into a contested political issue in towns across the country.

The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, raising fears of a new nuclear arms race between the two powers. The claim intensifies tensions in an already fraught strategic relationship, with concerns growing that both countries could resume explosive testing or expand arsenals. Arms control advocates warn the standoff undermines global non-proliferation efforts.

Bond investors are positioning in ways that increasingly point to concern about the economic outlook, according to Bloomberg. Signals from Treasury markets, such as moves in yields and curve shape, are being read as edging closer to levels historically associated with recession warnings. Traders and analysts are watching whether the warning becomes fully fledged.

Intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding underscores long-standing concerns that Riyadh could pursue a nuclear deterrent if regional rivals, particularly Iran, advance their own nuclear programmes, and it raises fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the future of any US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement.