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Russia & Central Asia

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Russia's alleged election meddling
Ukraine
Russia
Vladimir Putin
Espionage
Afghan schoolgirls walk along a road in Balkh province. Photo: AFP
Central Asia

UN ‘concerned’ over Taliban law that includes provision on child marriage

Among the Taliban’s most controversial provisions, it says the silence of a girl reaching puberty can be interpreted as consent to marriage.

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2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi’s key interactions with US and Russian presidents

China energy security

China turns to Russian oil as Gulf supply drops – but is it too expensive?

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China energy security

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Ukraine war

Belarus begins nuclear weapons drills with Russia

Minsk claims drills pose no security threats ⁠in the region, but Kyiv urges tightened sanctions in response.

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China-Russia relations

China and Russia hold trade expo as Putin and Trump visits draw global attention

Expo in Harbin highlights expanding economic ties amid rising geopolitical and trade uncertainties.

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Russia

Record Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow kills 3, targets refinery

The Russian capital faced about 80 drones through 7.00am local time, and air defences fought off dozens of projectiles according to Moscow’s mayor.

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A photo from Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov of a burning building following an air attack at an undisclosed location in the Moscow region, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, on Sunday. Photo: AFP
A photo from Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov of a burning building following an air attack at an undisclosed location in the Moscow region, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

36 nations approve tribunal creation to prosecute Russia over Ukraine

The move came on the same day the WHO said Ukraine’s mental health crisis is growing, with ‘work to do until the end of the century’.

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Ukraine war

‘Stay inside’: Finland warns of drone scare near capital Helsinki

The early hours warning – the first for the capital city – said a drone could be heading towards an area on the south coast.

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Ukraine war

Russia unleashes 1,500 attack drones on Ukraine, shattering prospects for peace

Kyiv bears brunt of deadly two-day attack, days after Putin said that he ‌thought the Ukraine war was coming to an end.

The aftermath of Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv. Photo: Reuters
Russia

Putin hails ‘world’s most powerful’ nuclear-capable missile in key test

Russian president boasts Sarmat ICBM’s capabilities months after the expiry of a nuclear treaty with the US.

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Russia’s Sarmat missile is designated ‘Satan II’ in the West. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP
Russia’s Sarmat missile is designated ‘Satan II’ in the West. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP
European Union

EU rejects Putin’s idea of role for ex-German leader in future security talks

EU ministers dismiss proposed role for Gerhard Schroeder, who has cultivated a close relationship with Russia’s president.

Britain

UK targets Russian ‘information warfare’ with new sanctions

Sanctions package hits 85 people and entities, two-thirds of them related to alleged Russian propaganda operations.

Ukraine war

Ukraine and Russia trade blame for breaking US-brokered ceasefire

Attacks reported on the second day of what was supposed to have been a three-day truce announced by Trump.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Moscow on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference in Moscow on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference in Moscow on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Russia

Putin criticises Nato at Victory Day parade in Moscow

At this year’s event, marking WWII victory, troops were told that in Ukraine they face ‘an aggressive force’ armed by the military alliance.

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Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine trade attacks ahead of Moscow war parade

Russia has threatened a massive strike on the heart of Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts the Victory Day parade on Saturday.

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Ukraine war

Russia urges foreigners to leave Ukraine capital over Victory Day threat

Moscow says it will respond to any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Saturday’s commemorations.

Russian service members in Moscow ahead of Saturday's parade. Photo: Reuters
Russian service members in Moscow ahead of Saturday's parade. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Well-oiled diplomacy: Malaysian king visits Moscow as Anwar eyes Russian energy

Though Sultan Ibrahim’s visit is officially ceremonial, its timing coincides with the energy squeeze plaguing Malaysia and much of Asia.

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Ukraine war

Russian attacks kill 27 in Ukraine before proposed rival ceasefires

Zelensky slams Russia’s ‘utter cynicism’ as strikes shatter ceasefire hopes and underscore war’s deepening impasse.

Ukraine war

Putin and Zelensky announce rival ceasefires ahead of Russia’s Victory Day

Moscow threatens ‘massive’ strike on Kyiv if May 9 parade is disrupted, as Ukraine plans own truce starting Tuesday night.

Security personnel armed with a machine gun patrol in central Moscow. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. Photo: Tasnim News Agency via AP
An Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. Photo: Tasnim News Agency via AP
Ukraine war

Drone hits upscale Moscow tower as city readies for Red Square parade

Tower just kilometres from the Kremlin hit after Russia scales back May 9 parade over security concerns.

Ukraine war

Russia’s inching advance in Ukraine approaches eastern fortress belt

Kostiantynivka, along with other cities in eastern Ukraine, forms part of a so-called fortress belt well-fortified against Russian attack.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump hails ‘very good’ Putin call as Iran talks stall and Ukraine war drags on

US president says Russian leader offered help on Iran’s enriched uranium and discussed a Victory Day ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meeting in Alaska in 2025. Photo: TNS
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