Summary

The geopolitical situation is looking pretty tense this week with serious escalations in the Middle East and Ukraine. At the same time, the FBI is cracking down on international crime syndicates while the EU targets Russia’s global supply chains with fresh sanctions.

Key Stories

Tensions explode in the Middle East — Iran claims it launched a drone strike on the US Navy Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, warning of a much heavier response if the clashes keep going.

High-ranking Russian general killed in Moscow — A Russian general in charge of heavy ammunition was killed by a car bomb in a Moscow suburb, marking the latest in a series of targeted hits on military elite.

FBI goes after global crime rings — Federal agents are busy dismantling international cyber syndicates and fraud networks, including adding new fugitives from Hawaii to their most wanted list.

Ukraine ramps up industrial strikes — Ukrainian forces used homemade cruise missiles and drones to hit a military electronics plant and an oil refinery deep inside Russian territory.

EU prepares massive sanctions sweep — The European Union is getting ready to slap sanctions on 50 companies across China, India, and Turkey for helping support Russia’s military-industrial base.