**Summary:** China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 mission, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The mission aims to test the feasibility of a one-year orbital stay, a critical step for future lunar and Martian exploration.

**Key points:**
- The crew includes Li Jiaying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong, alongside commander Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan.
- The mission will conduct scientific research in fields including life sciences, materials, and fluid physics.
- The one-year duration is intended to study human physiological responses to long-term microgravity, such as muscle atrophy and bone density loss.
- China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, competing with the U.S. Artemis program.

**Why it matters:** This mission represents a significant advancement in China's long-term space exploration capabilities, directly supporting its strategic goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.

RTBF - Décollage réussi pour la fusée chinoise de la mission Shenzhou-23

La Libre - Objectif Lune: la Chine envoie un astronaute dans l&#x27;espace pour un an, la fusée a décollé vers la station spatiale Tiangong (VIDEO)

La Presse - Objectif Lune | La Chine envoie un astronaute dans l’espace pour un an

China Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission with One-Year Orbital Stay Goal

**Summary:** Russia has deployed the Orechnik, a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, during recent overnight strikes against Ukraine. The attacks, which targeted the capital, Kiev, resulted in at least four deaths and over one hundred injuries.

**Key points:**
- The Orechnik is a hypersonic ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple independent warheads, with a range between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers.
- This marks the third reported use of the Orechnik in the conflict, following previous deployments in November 2024 and January 2026.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the use of the weapon, while Russian officials have previously described its impact as comparable to a meteorite.
- Military analysts note that while the missile is designed for deterrence, its effectiveness against modern air defense systems remains a subject of debate.

**Why it matters:** The use of the Orechnik missile represents a significant escalation in the conflict, highlighting Russia's reliance on advanced weaponry to exert psychological pressure and demonstrate military capabilities.

Le Nouvel Obs - Que sait - on du missile à capacité nucléaire Orechnik utilisé par la Russie en Ukraine cette nuit ?

ladepeche.fr - Guerre en Ukraine : "Il peut menacer la quasi-totalité de l’Europe"... pourquoi le missile russe à capacité nucléaire "Orechnik" inquiète autant Kiev ?

La Libre - Qu’est-ce que le missile Orechnik, l’engin à capacité nucléaire russe utilisé contre l’Ukraine ce dimanche ?

Russia Uses Orechnik Hypersonic Missile in Recent Attacks on Ukraine

**Summary:** United States officials have indicated that negotiations regarding a potential deal with Iran are showing progress, with the White House suggesting an agreement could be reached within days.

**Key points:**
- US officials have cited positive developments in ongoing discussions with Iran.
- Senator Marco Rubio suggested that favorable news regarding the situation could be announced shortly.
- The potential agreement follows a period of heightened tensions and diplomatic efforts.

**Why it matters:** A successful deal between the United States and Iran would represent a significant shift in regional security and international relations in the Middle East.

axios.com - White House says Iran deal could take days

mexicostar.com - Rubio : Good News On Iran Could Come Later Today

smdailyjournal.com - Details emerge of a potential Iran deal as US claims progress

5newsonline.com - Iran deal appears closer as US officials cite progress with negotiations

US Officials Signal Progress Toward Potential Deal with Iran

**Summary:** Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in China for a five-day state visit, marking his first such trip to the country to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

**Key points:**
- The visit, scheduled from May 24 to May 28, 2026, follows an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Bilateral trade between China and Serbia reached $6.48 billion in 2025, reflecting a 13% year-on-year increase.
- Cooperation between the two nations includes infrastructure projects like the Hungary-Serbia railway and investments in the Smederevo steel plant.
- The two countries maintain a long-standing partnership, characterized by mutual support in core interests and humanitarian assistance during crises.

**Why it matters:** The visit underscores the deepening 'ironclad' friendship between China and Serbia, highlighting the expansion of economic and diplomatic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

四川在线 - 天天学习丨三个难忘瞬间 读懂中塞铁杆友谊 _ 四川在线

杭州网 - 天天学习｜三个难忘瞬间 读懂中塞铁杆友谊

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic Begins First State Visit to China

**Summary:** Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the opening of a new rail trade route to Turkey through Georgia, marking a significant step in regional economic normalization.

**Key points:**
- The route utilizes the Akhalkalaki–Kars railway corridor, connecting Armenian cargo to eastern Turkey and global markets.
- The initiative is part of Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' project, which aims to restore economic ties and reduce long-standing regional blockades.
- Turkey completed necessary bureaucratic preparations on May 13 to facilitate direct trade with Armenia.

**Why it matters:** This development represents a major breakthrough in regional connectivity and economic cooperation between two nations that have lacked diplomatic relations since 1991.

albawaba.net - Armenia opens historic rail trade route to Turkey via Georgia

hurriyetdailynews.com - Armenia says railway link with Türkiye now operational via Georgia

Armenia Opens Historic Rail Trade Route to Turkey via Georgia

**Summary:** Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has arrived in Beijing for a four-day official visit, where he is expected to sign over 30 bilateral agreements and discuss potential investments worth one billion euros.

**Key points:**
- President Vučić is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
- The visit follows recent domestic protests in Belgrade, which the Serbian president dismissed as lacking substance.
- Vučić criticized a proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding European Union expansion, stating it favors Ukraine over Serbia.
- Serbia has seen a significant decline in foreign direct investment from China over the past year, which this visit aims to address.

**Why it matters:** The visit highlights Serbia's ongoing efforts to balance its European integration aspirations with its strategic economic and political partnership with China.

Vreme - Vučić : „ Možda uskoro podnesem ostavku

Naslovi.net - Srbija i Kina : Šta donosi Vučićeva poseta Pekingu

Vijesti - Vučić u Pekingu: Mercov predlog o ubrzanju proširenja EU bolji za...

Glas Zapadne Srbije - GLAS ZAPADNE SRBIJE - VUČIĆ SA SUPRUGOM STIGAO U KINU POSETA OD ISTORIJSKOG ZNAČAJA ZA NAŠU ZEMLJU

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić Begins Four-Day Official Visit to China

**Summary:** United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India for high-level bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to address trade tensions and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

**Key points:**
- The discussions aim to stabilize relations following a period of economic and diplomatic strain caused by recent U.S. tariff policies.
- Marco Rubio is scheduled to participate in a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), an Indo-Pacific strategic alliance involving India, Australia, and Japan.
- The visit includes a multicity tour and a gala reception in New Delhi to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

**Why it matters:** The visit is a critical effort to mitigate a growing trust deficit between Washington and New Delhi, aiming to reinforce the strategic Indo-Pacific partnership despite ongoing trade and tariff disputes.

theindianawaaz.com - Jaishankar holds bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi

emirates247.com - On first official India trip , Rubio tries to halt a trust deficit between Washington and Delhi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Holds Bilateral Talks with India in New Delhi

**Summary:** A powerful explosion struck a train carrying military personnel and their families in Quetta, Pakistan, on Sunday, resulting in at least 24 deaths and over 50 injuries.

**Key points:**
- The blast occurred at Chaman Pattak in Quetta when an explosive-laden vehicle struck a train carriage.
- The train was transporting army personnel and their families to Peshawar for the upcoming Eid holiday.
- The explosion caused two train cars to derail and catch fire, damaging nearby buildings and vehicles.
- No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the insurgency-hit Balochistan province.

**Why it matters:** The attack represents a significant security incident in Balochistan, a region experiencing a long-standing insurgency by separatist groups targeting government and security forces.

Quarte Bot