🔺May 8, 2025 — Global Geopolitical Snapshot

▪️ China–Russia Alliance Deepens
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in an article cited by The Financial Times, likened U.S. global dominance to fascist forces of WWII, warning that “unilateralism, hegemony and bullying are extremely harmful” as humanity stands “at a crossroads.” Xi’s visit to Moscow underscores a united front with President Vladimir Putin against the U.S.-led international order.

▪️ Russia Reroutes Oil via Indonesia
According to Reuters, the Karimun terminal in Indonesia exported a record 590,000 tonnes of oil products in March. Sources allege that Russian oil is relabeled as Indonesian to evade Western sanctions, making Indonesia a key hub in Moscow’s sanctions bypass strategy.

▪️ Rewriting the Cold War Narrative
As The Times reports, Xi and Putin are reshaping history, portraying their countries as historic victims of invasion now rising together against the West. Xi’s emphasis on shared WWII suffering is a subtle rebuke of U.S. attempts to weaken the UN’s authority.

▪️ Europe Reflects on 80 Years Since WWII’s End
Le Monde’s Sylvie Kaufmann writes that Europe is saying goodbye to the old global order and facing a future where the U.S. acts more like a rival than a partner. In contrast, leaders like Putin and Xi are seen as playing “the long game.”

▪️ Territorial Concessions in Ukraine Legally Invalid
Foreign Policy contributor Prof. Duncan Hollis argues any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine involving land concessions would violate the Vienna Convention, as such a deal would be made under duress. Only UN Security Council involvement could legitimize a lasting peace.

▪️ Victory Day in Russia Masks Deeper Troubles
The New York Times highlights the contradiction between Russia’s show of unity and military power and its economic stagnation and diplomatic isolation. Despite little battlefield progress and waning Western support, Moscow projects strength ahead of Victory Day commemorations.

▪️ Historic Papal Election
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American, has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff. In his inaugural address, he called for global peace, signaling a commitment to bridge divides in a fractured world.

Sources: The Financial Times, Reuters, The Times, Le Monde, Foreign Policy, The New York Times, Vatican News

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⏺🇮🇳⚡️Indian media: The Indian Navy launches a retaliatory operation following a major escalation by Pakistan.

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⏺🇵🇰⚡️Pakistani Ambassador to Washington to CNN: We are acting in self-defense and have the right to respond to Indian strikes.

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🇻🇪⚡️👏🇻🇦✝️ — María Corina Machado congratulates Pope Leo XIV and expresses hope that his pontificate will bring comfort to the Venezuelan people: “Evil will not prevail”

"From Venezuela, we send our affection to His Holiness, Leo XIV, on his election as Supreme Pontiff.

As Catholics, we rejoice in the blessing of having a new shepherd to guide us, and we echo his words today:
‘Let us not be afraid, evil will not prevail.’

As Venezuelans, we are filled with hope because we know that the new Pope deeply understands the reality of Latin America and is aware of the profound suffering of our people.

Venezuela, a country from which millions have been forced to migrate and where millions more suffer from hunger and persecution, trusts that the Holy Father will stand with us and watch over us.

Dear Pope Leo XIV, we send you the affection and prayers of the Venezuelan people."

María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) on 𝕏 🖇

🇮🇳⚡️India has effectively utilized the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense system, known domestically as “Sudarshan Chakra,” to intercept and neutralize a coordinated missile and drone attack from Pakistan. This marks the first combat deployment of the S-400 by India.

🇮🇳India’s Use of the S-400 Against Pakistani Strikes

On the night of May 7–8, 2025, Pakistan launched missiles and drones targeting 15 Indian military installations across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat, in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor. India’s S-400 systems successfully intercepted these aerial threats. Subsequently, Israeli-made HARPY drones were deployed to disable Pakistani air defense radars, including installations near Lahore .

🛡️ S-400 Capabilities and Deployment in India
• Detection Range: Up to 600 km.
• Engagement Range: Up to 400 km, capable of targeting aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
• Missile Types: Supports four missile variants for short to very long-range engagements.
• Operational Squadrons: India has deployed three out of five contracted squadrons, covering strategic regions including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The remaining two squadrons are expected by 2026 .

🌍Countries Operating the S-400 System

The S-400 is among the most advanced long-range air defense systems globally. Countries that have acquired or deployed the S-400 include:
• Russia (developer and primary operator)
• China (first foreign buyer, acquired in 2014)
• India (contracted five squadrons in 2018)
• Turkey (NATO member, received systems despite U.S. opposition)
• Belarus (close Russian ally)
• Algeria (reported operator)
• Saudi Arabia (expressed interest)
• Iran (expressed interest)
• Vietnam (expressed interest)

These countries have either operational systems or have shown significant interest in acquiring the S-400.

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⏺🇮🇳🇺🇳🇵🇰UN chief again calls on India & Pakistan to de-escalate as tensions grow.

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🇺🇸❌🇮🇷🛢 — US Treasury Department announces sanctions new sanctions against Iranian Oil industry

In Statement, the US Treasury Department announced:
➡️ Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is increasing pressure on Iran’s export of oil, designating the “teapot” refinery Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and three port terminal operators in Shandong Province for their role in purchasing or facilitating the delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil.

➡️ These teapot refineries, most of which are located in Shandong Province, People's Republic of China purchase the majority of Iranian crude oil exports.

➡️ OFAC is also imposing sanctions on several companies, vessels, and captains responsible for facilitating Iranian oil shipments as part of Iran’s “shadow fleet.”

➡️ According to US Treasury Department, this is OFAC’s third action against a teapot refinery and its first targeting terminal operators in Shandong Province.

“As part of President Trump’s broad and aggressive maximum pressure campaign, Treasury today is targeting another teapot refinery that imported Iranian oil, said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

The United States remains resolved to intensify pressure on all elements of Iran’s oil supply chain to prevent the regime from generating revenue to further its destabilizing agenda.”

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0135

⏺🇮🇳⚡️🇵🇰Indian Army Foils Swarm Drone Attack Along LoC and IB; Over 50 Drones Neutralized

ANI reports that in a major counter-drone operation on Wednesday night, Indian Army Air Defence units successfully intercepted and neutralized over 50 drones launched from across the border by Pakistan.

The drones were reportedly aimed at multiple strategic locations along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders (IB), including Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot.

According to official sources, the Army deployed an array of L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Zu-23mm systems, Schilka self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons, and other advanced counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies to engage the threat.

The scale and coordination of the operation highlight India’s growing capability to effectively respond to aerial threats, particularly those involving swarm drone tactics, which have become an increasing concern in modern asymmetric warfare.

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⏺🇮🇳⚡️🇵🇰#BREAKING: Intense search across Jammu for Pakistani drone debris.

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🇷🇺🤝🇧🇷🤡⭐ — At the Kremlin, Russian leader Vladimir Putin personally welcomed Brazilian President Lula da Silva for dinner

On video, the Russian handed a warm handshake for Lula da Silva and, a bouquet for First Lady Rosângela "Janja" da Silva

⏺🇮🇱❌🇵🇸💥Artillery shelling north of Nuseirat camp, central Gaza Strip.

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⏺🇮🇳⚡️#BREAKING: Licenses of individuals in medical and paramedical professions in Rajasthan have been revoked.

@DefenseInformer

⏺🇮🇳⚡️#BREAKING: Indian Army: Pakistani forces launched multiple drone and munition attacks along the western border last night.

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⏺🇮🇳⚡️#BREAKING: Reuters, citing the Indian army: Pakistani forces launched several attacks with drones and ammunition along the western border last night.

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🇨🇳🇷🇺⚡️Xi Jinping and Putin discussed the Ukrainian crisis over a cup of tea in Moscow , — Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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🇮🇳❌🇵🇰OPERATION SINDOOR

On the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire Western Border. Additionally, Pakistani troops resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The drone attacks were effectively repulsed, and a befitting response was delivered to the CFVs.

The #IndianArmy remains firmly committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be met with force.

Source: Indian Army on X

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