Ukraine reported striking a dozen Russian "shadow fleet" tankers delivering fuel to Crimea with drones. Simultaneously, Kyiv faced a Russian missile attack injuring two, while Odesa also sustained a missile strike. President Zelenskyy appealed for NATO membership and discussed ending the war with US President Trump.
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, located 2,700km from Ukraine. The attack, confirmed by local authorities, occurred before a Nato summit. Russia claimed most drones were destroyed, with no casualties. President Zelenskyy hailed it as a significant achievement, extending Ukraine's strike capability to Siberia.
Ukraine is pursuing significant defense agreements with at least seven NATO nations by the end of the year, aiming to become a provider of military hardware and expertise. Having already signed "drone deals" with six countries, including Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is leveraging its experience in drone warfare and air defense.
Armenia is bolstering its defense cooperation with India, seeking advanced weapon systems and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missiles and Pinaka rockets, highlight this growing partnership.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on April 21 that her cabinet had amended the Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, Japan's framework for controlling military hardware and technology exports since 2014. Citing an increasingly severe security environment where no single country can protect its own peace alone, Takaichi emphasized the need for partner countries to support each other through defence equipment. Despite Japan's technological capabilities, the country accounts for a trivial share of global arms exports, while China and South Korea rank among the top 10 weapons exporters according to SIPRI.
