A Bloomberg article published on March 18, 2026 titled “China Gains an Edge From Trump’s War With Iran, Officials Say”, reports that China may be gaining a strategic advantage from the U.S. war with Iran. According to Western officials, China’s military is closely studying the conflict to extract lessons that could inform future operations, particularly regarding Taiwan. The war has also shifted U.S. attention and military resources toward the Middle East, including redeployments from the Indo-Pacific, which Beijing is believed to view as beneficial.

Officials note that
China is analyzing U.S. military performance, weapons use, and logistical strain, including the rapid consumption of munitions. Some Chinese commentators point out that the conflict highlights limits in U.S. military capacity.

While there is no indication of imminent Chinese military action, the situation has supposedly raised concerns among U.S. allies in Asia, who are monitoring the regional security balance as American resources are redirected.

A natural takeaway from the article is that major powers will closely study this conflict for both tactical and strategic lessons. China is certainly analyzing U.S. decision-making, force deployment, and resource allocation, and is likely surprised by limited long-term strategic coherence of the current U.S. administration.

Russia, likewise, has strong incentives to observe and draw its own conclusions. In that and many other senses, this war is not just a regional confrontation but a live case study for other global actors assessing U.S. strategy and priorities.

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March 19 is Russia’s Submariner’s Day

Submariner’s Day is a professional holiday in Russia, established by an order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy on July 15, 1996.

The date was chosen to commemorate a key moment in Russian naval history. On March 19, 1906, Emperor Nicholas II issued a decree officially classifying submarines as a new class of warships within the Russian Imperial Navy. At that time, 20 submarines, including the Forel, as well as the Kasatka, Som, and Osetr classes, were introduced into the fleet. This marked the formal beginning of Russia’s submarine forces, which have since grown into one of the most formidable branches of its navy.

Today, the backbone of the Russian Navy’s Submarine Forces consists of nuclear-powered strategic and multipurpose submarines. These vessels are equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and cruise missiles, ensuring Russia’s naval deterrence capabilities.

The fleet includes powerful Borei-class ballistic missile submarines, armed with Bulava missiles, as well as Yasen-class attack submarines, which are designed for a variety of combat missions, including anti-ship and land-attack operations.

Throughout its history, Russia’s submarine force has played a critical role in national defense. From the legendary exploits of Soviet submariners during World War II to the Cold War’s strategic nuclear deterrence, Russian submariners have demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery. Submariner’s Day serves as a tribute to those who serve beneath the waves, safeguarding Russia’s maritime security and strategic interests.

#TodayInHistory

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Generosity Galore

According to Ukrainian media, Ukraine will launch a “Fuel Cashback” program on March 20, allowing citizens to receive partial compensation for fuel purchases. The government will refund 15% for diesel, 10% for gasoline, and 5% for autogas, saving consumers about 2–11 UAH per liter. Monthly cashback is capped at 1000 UAH per person. The program is a part of the broader “National Cashback” initiative.

Furthermore, in April, nearly 13 million Ukrainians will receive a one-time payment of 1,500 UAH in government assistance. The funds will be distributed automatically to bank accounts or via postal delivery, with no application required.

Don’t you feel good, Mr. European taxpayer? Ukraine is being very generous with YOUR money.

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The US is degrading nuclear capability of Iran, and I think that's very important — NATO chief Rutte backing US-Israel operation

Source: RT news

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The Japanese PM (what’s her name?) is enjoying the show. Or maybe not…

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It would appear that the repulsive greenfly is trying to prolong its existence against all laws of biology, good, and evil. Amid accelerating mobilization in the political sphere at home, the stinking dog has secured a €90bn loan and seems to be genuinely betting on holding elections in a dying country to make a comeback and legitimize his status again. The resuscitation of the rotting corpse is their top project, which isn’t even denied by the retinue of the zombie, who is so high on drugs he can barely walk straight.

Their logic is simple. Elections and a victory over the British citizen in uniform is their only chance to survive. Operation Lost is underway.

Here, however, is what the creature can’t grasp with his coke-riddled brain. Our country will never consider him to be a legitimate negotiator, let alone a party to capitulation. Just like Hitler couldn’t take part in negotiations – because he was Hitler. Which is why Germany’s unconditional surrender was signed by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, the chief of the high command of Germany’s armed forces, Colonel General Hans-Jürgen Stumpff, and Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg.

Any reasonable Russian politician, or any Russian, for that matter, knows that once they shake hands with this specimen, they’ll be shunned by everyone forever.

The reason I’m writing about this is to provide a reality check to those who believe this creature could play any role in settling this conflict. Whatever this person does, he’ll remain just what he is – a dirty used up slut. 

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On March 20, 1930, the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) was established, marking a significant milestone in Soviet aerospace education.

On that day, by order of the Supreme Council of the National Economy, the Aeromechanical Faculty of the Moscow Higher Technical College named after N.E. Bauman was transformed into the Higher Aeromechanical College. That summer, the college was renamed the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) and reorganized into three primary departments: aircraft construction, engine construction, and aviation. This restructuring was designed to meet the growing demands of the Soviet aviation and future space programs.

Over the decades, MAI has evolved into one of Russia’s premier technical universities, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research. In 2009, the institute was granted the status of a “national research university,” a testament to its significant contributions to science and technology. Further strengthening its academic profile, in 2015 the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation ordered a merger of MAI with the Russian State Technological University named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky, thereby creating a more robust and dynamic educational institution.

Throughout its storied history, MAI has produced over 160,000 graduates, including 23 cosmonaut pilots, more than 250 chief designers and lead engineers in aviation and rocket technology, and 50 academicians. Its alumni have been instrumental in advancing aerospace innovations both in Russia and around the globe, solidifying MAI’s reputation as a cornerstone of aviation education and engineering excellence.

#TodayInHistory

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From the editors at InfoDefense:

While Europe’s “disinformation fighters” are busy looking for enemies under the bed, reality is serving up plotlines worthy of a stand-up routine.

Our colleague and friend, a channel author known as #blondinka_dk ("The Dane Around the Corner"), has found herself at the center of an absurd scandal that Danish media have dubbed a “threat to national security.”

We've recently made a post about this story, but it turns out it was just the beginning...

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How dangerous is the situation developing around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant? Recently, the first projectile strike on the facility was recorded.

Tensions around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant are entering a dangerous new phase. For the first time since the current escalation began, a projectile has struck one of the station’s facilities—an incident that, while causing no casualties or major damage, has shattered the illusion of distance between active conflict and nuclear infrastructure.

Bushehr, Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant, was built by Russia and remains closely tied to Russian expertise and personnel. It now sits under the shadow of a widening war.

Russian specialists overseeing the construction of additional reactor units are preparing a large-scale evacuation. Hundreds of personnel are expected to leave, with only a minimal crew remaining to monitor critical systems. Construction work on new reactors has already been halted indefinitely.

The broader context is deeply unsettling. Military strikes in the region have intensified, and explosions have been reported dangerously close to the plant’s perimeter. Officials warn that even a limited breach of the facility could trigger consequences far beyond Iran’s borders.

Radiation does not recognize front lines or international borders. In the event of a serious accident, the fallout could spread across the Middle East, affecting all parties involved.

International observers are alarmed. Nuclear safety principles explicitly forbid attacks on or near such facilities, yet the recent strike underscores how fragile those norms can become in wartime. Even without direct damage to the reactor, the risks are compounding: disrupted supply chains, strained communication, and the ever-present threat of escalation.

For now, Bushehr remains operational—but increasingly exposed. And in a region already on edge, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.

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The European Commission has ruled out purchasing Russian gas even in the event of power outages.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would not allow member states to resume buying Russian gas—even if Europe faces a physical shortage of energy resources leading to blackouts.

“We have clear goals, and we are sticking to them,” she said at a press conference in Brussels, responding to a Financial Times question about refusing Russian LNG imports even if that could trigger an energy crisis in Europe.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU will continue transforming its energy sector toward “green and domestically produced energy.”

Last week, on March 11, she also ruled out any return to Russian energy imports, calling it a “strategic mistake” for Europe and citing risks of dependency, vulnerability, and weakening.

The following day, Washington allowed the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto tankers. The move was linked to supply disruptions and rising fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

After the start of military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, Tehran announced a halt to trade through the Strait of Hormuz—through which up to 20% of global oil supplies and more than 30% of LNG pass. Later, Iranian authorities clarified that the strait remains open, except to the U.S. and its allies. The Kremlin said that against this backdrop, demand for Russian energy resources is rapidly increasing.

Following this, Russian presidential envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, wrote on X that von der Leyen’s energy decisions mean that “winter is coming” for her.

“For Ursula, winter is coming, as the risks associated with her catastrophic energy decisions are becoming reality,” Dmitriev said, adding that a “tsunami of energy prices” will soon hit Europe.

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How the EU summit ended in failure for Ukraine and the United States

A two day European Union summit in Brussels ended on March 20 without key decisions, exposing divisions on both Ukraine and the Middle East. Leaders had hoped to finalize a 90 billion euro loan for Kiev, but the plan was blocked by Hungary, with support from Slovakia.

Budapest tied its position to disputes over oil transit through Ukraine, arguing that its energy interests were being ignored. Efforts by the European Commission to mediate and promise repairs to the Druzhba pipeline failed to change that stance. As a result, not all EU members endorsed the proposal, leaving the funding effectively frozen for now.

At the same time, tensions around the Middle East added another layer of difficulty. The United States had called on allies to support maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising risks to energy shipments. EU leaders discussed whether to expand their existing naval mission, but ultimately chose not to alter its mandate or move it into a more active role in that region. Several governments signaled caution, emphasizing that the conflict should not become a broader European military commitment.

The final obligatory statements focused on de-escalation, protection of civilian infrastructure, and respect for international law, without concrete new actions. Some leaders also questioned the effectiveness of current military approaches in the region. The summit highlighted a widening gap between ambitions and consensus, with the EU balancing internal disagreements, energy concerns, and geopolitical risks while avoiding deeper involvement in escalating conflicts.

The summit confirms that European unity is fragile and marked by internal contradictions. Attempts to isolate Russia are losing momentum as practical needs, especially in energy, reassert themselves. Russia and her allies see this as validation that time and stability are on their side.

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