Russia

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a proposal on Friday to procure five additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. The approvals, worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore, also include medium transport aircraft and other equipment for the Indian Air Force. The decision follows months of discussions and the S-400's demonstrated capability in Operation Sindoor.

March 26, 2026 Reported by AI

Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M) states that the country will continue to act against vessels in Russia's shadow fleet violating maritime law. Russia has threatened Sweden, Finland, and France following recent boardings. The Coast Guard and police have boarded two suspected ships in Swedish territorial waters.

Ukraine has announced it will share its battlefield data with allies to help train AI models for drone software. The move aims to strengthen technological cooperation amid the ongoing war with Russia. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov described it as a step toward win-win partnerships.

March 12, 2026 Reported by AI

The Swedish Coast Guard, along with police, has boarded the tanker Sea Owl 1 off Trelleborg, suspected of sailing under a false flag and being on the EU sanctions list. The vessel is en route to a Russian port, and a preliminary investigation into breaches of the Sea Act has been initiated. This marks the second such operation within a week.

Russia's central bank is considering a plan to let banks and brokerage firms operate cryptocurrency exchanges using a simplified notification process tied to their existing licenses. Governor Elvira Nabiullina presented the proposal as a way to integrate digital assets into the country's financial infrastructure while managing risks. The move is part of broader efforts to establish a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, effective from July 2026.

March 05, 2026 Reported by AI

The ongoing conflict in Iran has interrupted Russia's supply chains for luxury goods, including cars, iPhones, and jewelry, primarily routed through the United Arab Emirates. Closures in the Strait of Hormuz and air traffic disruptions threaten shortages if the situation persists beyond a month. Importers warn of stranded vehicles and delayed deliveries amid existing Western sanctions.