Five Things That Mattered This Week | May 15, 2026

The mysterious sinking of a Russian ship, Trump's high-stakes meeting in China, war in Ukraine, NATO's eastern flank looks to court U.S. support. The chokepoint of the Strait still looks...choked.

Good Friday morning!

This week had everything from the mysterious to the predictable. Fascinating investigative journalism from CNN reveals the sinking of a Russian ship bound for North Korea that has all the marks of a planned western operation. Trump’s visit to China produces a lot of the expected joint statements. Countries on NATO’s eastern flank are understandably nervous about Russia and what the future may hold, and are positioning themselves to potentially receive US troops that could be pulled out of Germany.

There are no signs of any breakthrough on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or of any kind of peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. During the week, President Trump was quoted as saying "We either reach an agreement or they will be decimated. One way or another, we win.”

Also, we take a look at the forgotten war that rages on in Sudan.

The only certainty in world politics in uncertainty. Let us summarize the key events of the week for you.

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The week gave us twists, pauses, and paper promises. The story bent. Now we wait to see what breaks… and what heals. — Ali & Asli

— Ali & Asli