Russian-backed dictatorships can usually rely on Putin to help suppress dissent, but with Russians already busy in Ukraine, Belarus now has a chance. In yet another sign that Putin’s USSR 2.0 is set for the garbage bin of history, the increasingly paranoic Belarusian dictator today announced intention to use military against his own citizens in the case of any unrest during this month’s absolutely rigged elections.

Russia is militarily acquiring some of the most mineral rich territories on earth with intent to monopolize and restrict western access, while China uses less dramatic tactics for similar goals. As Russia continues it’s slow motion takeover of mineral rich nations in Africa and equally rich territory in Ukraine, China is increasingly doing their part to cripple US’s tech and military sectors by monopolizing these same resources.

Owned by the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ursa Major sinks off the coast of Spain with valuable cargo. A sanctioned Russian cargo vessel, the Ursa Major, has sunk in the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion in its engine room off the coast of Spain. The incident occurred in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Fourteen of the sixteen crew members were rescued and taken to the Spanish port of Cartagena, while two remain missing.