Russia has conducted a successful test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, according to Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov. In a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Gerasimov revealed that the missile completed a multi-hour flight, covering a distance of 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles), with the potential for even greater range. The low-flying experimental weapon, first unveiled in 2018, is designed to evade missile defense systems and boasts a theoretically unlimited range. The test, conducted on October 21, lasted 15 hours and reportedly demonstrated the missile’s ability to maneuver both vertically and horizontally, meeting all specifications. Gerasimov emphasized its capability to bypass existing air and missile defense systems. Despite these claims, Western experts remain skeptical about the missile’s strategic value and the accuracy of Russia’s testing claims. Putin previously announced a ‘final successful test’ in 2023, but this has not been independently verified. According to an arms control campaign group, only two of at least 13 known tests since 2016 have been partially successful. The missile, dubbed ‘Skyfall’ by NATO, is believed to be powered by a nuclear reactor activated after initial solid fuel rocket boosters. A 2021 U.S. Air Force report acknowledged its potential as a unique intercontinental weapon, but the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) highlighted significant technical challenges, including numerous flight-test failures and a fatal accident. Satellite imagery from August 2024 suggests ongoing construction of launch facilities north of Moscow, further indicating Russia’s commitment to the project.
分类： world
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Thai, Cambodia leaders sign expanded ceasefire deal with Trump present
In a significant diplomatic development, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia inked an expanded ceasefire agreement on Sunday, October 26, 2025, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. The signing ceremony took place shortly after the arrival of US President Donald Trump, who played a pivotal role in mediating the cessation of a deadly five-day border conflict between the two nations in July 2025. This enhanced deal builds upon a truce brokered three months prior, when Trump intervened by urging the then-leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to halt hostilities, warning that continued conflict could jeopardize their respective trade negotiations with the United States. The presence of Trump at the signing underscored the US administration’s commitment to fostering stability in Southeast Asia. The agreement marks a critical step toward de-escalating tensions in the region and reaffirms the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts.
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Georgia arrests three for trying to illegally buy 2kg of uranium
Three Chinese nationals have been apprehended in Georgia on charges of attempting to illegally acquire 2 kilograms of uranium, according to the country’s State Security Service (SSG). The suspects allegedly planned to pay $400,000 for the nuclear material in Tbilisi, the capital, with intentions to transport it to China via Russia. The operation was uncovered by intelligence agents when one of the individuals attempted to purchase the radioactive substance on the black market. The trio pleaded not guilty in a Tbilisi court and have been detained to prevent their escape. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison under Georgian law, which prohibits the purchase of nuclear materials. Lasha Maghradze, deputy head of the SSG, revealed that the operation was allegedly coordinated by other members of the group in China. Footage released by the SSG shows armed soldiers detaining the suspects and discovering two glass jars containing a yellow substance in a car boot, later identified as uranium. The specific isotope of uranium involved remains unclear, as does the intended purpose of the material. Georgia, a former Soviet nation, has faced ongoing challenges in securing its nuclear materials since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. This incident follows a similar case in July, where the SSG arrested a Georgian and a Turkish national for attempting to trade $3 million worth of uranium.
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Year-long funeral ceremony starts for Thailand’s former queen Sirikit
Thailand has embarked on a solemn year-long funeral ceremony for its former Queen Sirikit, who passed away at the age of 93. Revered as the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ her birthday was celebrated as Thailand’s Mothers’ Day. The ceremony began on Sunday, with her remains being transported to Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where she will lie in state for a year before her cremation. The royal family holds a semi-divine status in Thailand, with their images adorning public spaces and private homes across the country. Digital billboards in Bangkok displayed towering black tributes, and citizens were urged to wear dark clothing and refrain from public celebrations. Queen Sirikit, the wife of Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn, was known for her dual role as a fashion icon and a compassionate maternal figure. Her influence extended beyond Thailand, with Western media drawing parallels to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul postponed his departure to an ASEAN summit to witness the funeral procession but later endorsed a peace deal with Cambodia. US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media. Sirikit’s legacy includes her glamorous public appearances in the 1960s and her dedication to visiting rural communities. Her health had declined in recent years, leading to her hospitalization since 2019. The nation mourns the loss of a beloved figure who played a pivotal role in Thailand’s history.
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‘Dream realised’: Youngest Asian nation East Timor now Asean’s 11th member after 14-year wait
East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a 14-year wait. The historic moment was marked during the opening of the ASEAN annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, where East Timor’s flag was raised amidst applause from regional leaders. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao described the occasion as a ‘dream realised’ and a ‘new beginning’ that promises ‘immense opportunities’ for trade and investment. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of Asia’s poorest nations, with a fledgling economy valued at approximately $2 billion, a stark contrast to ASEAN’s collective GDP of $3.8 trillion. The country’s accession to ASEAN is seen as a symbolic victory for its leaders, including President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao, who played pivotal roles in the nation’s struggle for independence. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, first proposed the idea of joining ASEAN in the 1970s, envisioning regional integration as a pathway to stability and growth. Despite its modest economic contribution, East Timor aims to leverage its unique experiences in conflict resolution to strengthen ASEAN’s mechanisms, particularly in addressing disputes over borders and the South China Sea. The country’s journey to ASEAN membership underscores its resilience and determination to forge a brighter future within the regional bloc.
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47th ASEAN Summit kicks off in Malaysia
The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit officially began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The event, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ marks a pivotal moment for regional cooperation and development. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the challenges posed by rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He underscored ASEAN’s resilience, rooted in mutual respect and collective reasoning, which continues to unite its member states. A significant milestone of the summit was the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN, celebrated through the signing of a declaration. Over the next three days, leaders will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening regional integration, fostering economic growth, and enhancing connectivity within the ASEAN community. Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and now Timor-Leste.
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Rebel group claims capture of Sudan army headquarters in key city
The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed a significant victory in the nation’s ongoing civil war by capturing the army headquarters in the besieged city of el-Fasher. This marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as el-Fasher was the last major stronghold of government forces in the Darfur region. The RSF announced on social media that it had destroyed large military vehicles and seized equipment at the 6th Division Headquarters, a claim corroborated by BBC Verify through verified videos showing RSF fighters inside the base. The loss of this strategic location deals a severe blow to the Sudanese army, which has yet to issue a formal response. The RSF has surrounded el-Fasher for 18 months, subjecting the city to relentless bombardment and trapping an estimated 300,000 civilians. Satellite imagery from August revealed extensive earthen walls constructed around the city, effectively trapping residents. Hunger and disease have spread rapidly due to dwindling food and medical supplies. The RSF has been accused by UN investigators of committing crimes against humanity, with the US alleging genocide against Darfur’s non-Arab population. Since the conflict began in 2023, over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million have been displaced, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The RSF now controls nearly all of Darfur and much of the Kordofan region, with plans to establish a rival government in el-Fasher. The Sudanese army retains control over northern and eastern regions, but its grip on Darfur has effectively ended. The situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with civilians enduring unimaginable suffering as the conflict escalates.
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Main wreckage of cargo plane recovered from Hong Kong waters after deadly crash
The primary wreckage of a cargo plane that veered off a Hong Kong runway and plunged into the sea was successfully recovered on Sunday, marking a significant step in the aftermath of the tragic incident. The Boeing 747, operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines and leased by Dubai’s Emirates, skidded during landing last Monday, colliding with a patrol car and sending both vehicles into the water. The crash claimed the lives of two workers in the patrol car, while the four crew members on the plane emerged unharmed.
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Hurricane Melissa strengthens as it barrels towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, now a formidable Category 5 storm, is barreling towards Jamaica, posing severe threats of life-endangering flash floods and landslides. With winds reaching up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, the storm is currently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The NHC has issued urgent warnings of potential power outages, infrastructure damage, and sea level surges up to 13 feet (4 meters) above ground, accompanied by torrential rainfall of up to 30 inches (76 cm). Residents are being urged to seek immediate shelter and complete emergency preparations without delay. Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, the NHC emphasized that the impact will remain catastrophic, with little practical difference in severity. The storm has already wreaked havoc in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming two lives in Haiti due to landslides. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for calm and preparedness, advising residents to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stock up on essentials. Similar warnings are in effect for parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring equally devastating conditions by midweek. The hurricane is forecasted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday, weakening to a Category 3 storm before moving through the Antillas Mayores and into the Atlantic. Scientists have noted that while it is challenging to attribute individual weather events to climate change, warmer oceans are contributing to more frequent and severe hurricanes. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which typically concludes in November, has already seen 13 hurricanes, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting above-normal activity due to warmer seas and stronger monsoon activity around West Africa.
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Russia targets Kyiv with drones, killing 3 and wounding 29
In a devastating escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a barrage of drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuring at least 29 others, including seven children. This marked the second consecutive night of attacks targeting the city, underscoring the intensifying conflict. Among the victims were a 19-year-old woman and her 46-year-old mother, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko. The assault caused significant damage, igniting fires in two residential buildings in the Desnianskyi district. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from a nine-story and a 16-story building affected by the blazes. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces deployed 101 drones overnight, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting and neutralizing 90 of them. However, five strike drones managed to hit four locations, while debris from downed drones caused additional damage in five other areas. The attack followed a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Saturday, which claimed four lives, including two in Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his urgent appeal for advanced Western air defense systems to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from relentless Russian aggression.