Miners in Russia’s Kaliningrad Region stumbled upon a tiny time traveler—a 40-million-year-old cockroach perfectly preserved in amber. The fossilized insect, frozen in golden resin, offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life. A video of the discovery shows the critter in eerie detail, almost like it’s posing for its close-up.

Editor’s Note: While it’s not exactly breaking news that cockroaches are survivors, this find is a cool reminder of how little life’s blueprints change over millions of years. For scientists, it’s another puzzle piece in understanding ancient ecosystems—and for the rest of us, it’s just plain fascinating to see a bug from the age of mammoths looking eerily familiar.

A group of Russian soldiers has been returned from Ukrainian captivity as part of a prisoner exchange, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. The swap is the latest in a series of similar exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv since the war began.

Editor’s Note: While prisoner swaps are a small sign of cooperation amid an otherwise brutal war, they don’t signal any broader progress toward peace. For families, though, these exchanges mean everything—reuniting loved ones after months of uncertainty. It’s a rare moment of relief in a conflict that shows no signs of ending.

Russia's Lukoil, one of the world's biggest oil companies, just struck a deal with Egypt to explore and produce more energy there. This move beefs up their operations in North Africa, a region that's becoming increasingly important for global oil and gas.

Editor’s Note: Big oil deals like this aren’t just about business—they’re geopolitical chess moves. Russia’s deepening ties with Egypt signal its push for influence in Africa, especially as Western sanctions squeeze its traditional markets. For Egypt, it could mean more investment and jobs, but also tighter energy dependence on Moscow. Keep an eye on how this shifts regional power dynamics.

Moscow is accusing Ukraine of intentionally targeting civilians in the Donbass region, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claiming these actions are now part of Kiev’s official policy. The allegations paint a grim picture of the conflict, framing Ukraine’s military actions as systematic and deliberate.

Editor’s Note: This is another escalation in the war of narratives between Russia and Ukraine. If true, these claims would be a serious indictment of Ukraine’s conduct in the war—but given the source (Russian state media) and the lack of independent verification, readers should approach the story with caution. Accusations like these often serve to justify further military or political actions, so the rhetoric itself is worth watching.

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared that his country will block the EU’s latest round of sanctions against Russia—the 18th such package—during the upcoming summit in Brussels. This move signals growing dissent within the bloc over how to handle the ongoing conflict.

Editor’s Note: Slovakia’s veto threat isn’t just about one vote—it highlights the cracks in Europe’s united front against Russia. Fico’s stance could embolden other skeptical nations, making it harder for the EU to maintain a tough line. For policymakers, this is a headache; for Moscow, it’s a potential win. The bigger question is whether this is a blip or the start of a wider unraveling.

Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, a longtime critic of the Kremlin, is reportedly tied to an alleged coup plot in South Sudan. According to Bloomberg, he connected a local activist with an American financier to secure weapons for rebel forces. The story paints a bizarre intersection of geopolitical maneuvering and celebrity activism.

Editor’s Note: If true, this isn’t just about chess or Kasparov’s political stance—it’s a serious allegation that blurs the line between activism and covert interference. It raises questions about how far exiled dissidents go to challenge authoritarian regimes, and whether such actions risk destabilizing already fragile regions like South Sudan. For Kasparov, it’s a reputational gamble; for geopolitics watchers, it’s another strange twist in the shadowy world of international intrigue.

Australia has slapped sanctions on Russian pop star Yaroslav Dronov, known as Shaman, along with dozens of others, accusing them of supporting Russia’s economic or strategic interests. The move is part of broader Western efforts to pressure Moscow, but targeting a cultural figure like Shaman—who’s famous for patriotic anthems—shows how sanctions are reaching beyond politicians and oligarchs.

Editor’s Note: Sanctions aren’t just for politicians or bankers anymore—they’re hitting entertainers too. Shaman’s music, which often glorifies Russia, seems to have landed him on Australia’s blacklist, signaling how Western nations are broadening their tactics to isolate Russia culturally and economically. For fans, it’s a reminder that art and politics are increasingly tangled; for governments, it’s another way to turn up the heat.

India is buying up Russian oil like never before—snagging a whopping 80% of Russia’s seaborne Urals crude exports this year, according to data from Kpler. Refineries there are clearly doubling down on discounted Russian barrels despite global tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fuel—it’s a geopolitical chess move. India’s aggressive purchases highlight how sanctions are reshaping global oil flows, with Moscow leaning heavily on Asian buyers to keep exports flowing. For India, cheap Russian crude helps curb energy costs, but it also keeps them walking a tightrope between Western allies and economic pragmatism.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh didn’t mince words at the SCO meeting in China, directly accusing Pakistan of sheltering terrorists and enabling cross-border attacks. He called out what he sees as hypocrisy in tolerating such behavior and pushed for regional cooperation to tackle extremism. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was in the room during the remarks, adding tension to the already frosty relations between the two neighbors.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic spat—it’s a public airing of long-standing grievances at a forum where both countries are supposed to collaborate on security. Singh’s blunt criticism signals India’s frustration with Pakistan’s alleged role in regional instability, while also putting pressure on other SCO members (like China and Russia) to take a stance. With terrorism as the backdrop, this clash could ripple through future talks, making cooperation even harder.