Ongoing

• The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on legislation providing military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues with ongoing Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes. • Russia conducted fresh attacks on Kyiv, injuring at least 4 people, underscoring the urgency of US support discussions in Congress. • The vote represents a critical moment for US commitment to Ukrainian defense as negotiations continue regarding the scope and nature of American assistance.

• President Trump departed for a two-day state visit to China on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after the trip was initially delayed by the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. • The itinerary features a welcome ceremony, two bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping, a state banquet, a Temple of Heaven tour, and a tea session within less than 48 hours. • The visit underscores continued U.S.-China engagement, marking the first of four planned Trump-Xi meetings this year, including Xi's fall state visit to the U.S.

Labor has announced funding for Australian Submarine Agency will jump to $512m in next financial year amid concerns the sovereign submarine fleet may never arriveFederal budget 2026 LIVE updates: Australia government budget announcement and speech – latest newsExplore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverageGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe budget for Australia’s contentious Aukus deal has ballooned by more than $430m over four years, with the agency charged with securing the country’s nuclear-powered submarines requiring a massive injection of funding and staffing.The Australian Submarine Agency’s resourcing for next financial year will jump by a third – from $385m to $512m. Continue reading...

• China's UN Permanent Representative Fu Cong highlighted how the conflict in Sudan and instability in South Sudan are impeding the Abyei area's political process. • The ground situation remains grim on security and humanitarian fronts in both nations, exacerbating delays in negotiations. • This stall threatens long-term stability in the region, affecting US interests in countering instability and humanitarian aid efforts in Africa.

• US military missile inventories, including Tomahawks, Patriots, and THAAD interceptors, are depleting faster than production rates amid the Iran war launched February 28, 2026. • President Trump extended the Iran truce, prompting questions on whether it's a diplomatic move or a pause to resupply amid sustainability concerns. • The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has led to Iranian retaliation and Strait of Hormuz closure, disrupting global oil supplies.

• Donald Trump announced a major ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon while signaling progress toward a potential nuclear deal with Iran. • The development represents a significant diplomatic initiative amid broader Middle East tensions and ongoing US-Iran negotiations. • The ceasefire comes as regional dynamics continue to shift with multiple diplomatic channels active simultaneously.

• The U.S. and Iran agreed on Tuesday to a two-week ceasefire, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough after 47 days of conflict. • Under the agreement, both Iran and Oman will be permitted to participate in the pause in hostilities, with U.S. military personnel and weaponry remaining positioned in and around Iran until a peace deal is finalized. • The ceasefire emerges as negotiators push for a next round of talks, though tensions remain high with shipping disruptions continuing in the Strait of Hormuz.

• The EU Council approved a new sanctions package on April 11 targeting 28 Russian oligarchs and 15 companies involved in military procurement, freezing assets valued at approximately €3.2 billion. • The sanctions aim to disrupt Russian defense supply chains and increase pressure on Moscow's ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine, with measures including travel bans and financial transaction restrictions. • EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell stated the sanctions demonstrate "unwavering support" for Ukraine, though critics argue they remain insufficient to alter Russian strategic calculations.