In June 2020, Aleksandr Smirnov falsely claimed to the FBI that Burisma executives paid Joe and Hunter Biden millions of dollars, a fabrication that fueled unfounded allegations of corruption against the then-Vice President. This false narrative, which involved Russian intelligence officials, was disseminated to influence the 2020 election. Smirnov pleaded guilty and faces a two-to-six-year sentence, though a potential pardon from Donald Trump remains a possibility. The incident highlights the dangers of disinformation campaigns and foreign interference in U.S. elections.
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Vladimir Putin’s ambitious Arctic gas production project, a cornerstone of his energy strategy, is facing a significant setback, effectively grinding to a halt due to the crippling impact of Western sanctions. The Arctic LNG 2 project, boasting the Belokamenka yard designed to employ 15,000 workers, now stands largely deserted, a testament to the sanctions’ devastating effect on Russian infrastructure and its ability to maintain complex operations. Most contractors have abandoned the site, leaving behind only a skeleton crew of around 500 security guards.
The shutdown of this massive undertaking represents a considerable blow to Putin and his energy empire. The Belokamenka yard, once touted as a world-leading industrial site, was crucial for the construction of the offshore platforms necessary to process gas from the Salmanovskoye and Geofizicheskoye fields.… Continue reading
FBI informant Alexander Smirnov pleaded guilty to four charges, including tax evasion and obstructing justice, stemming from false accusations against the Biden family. Smirnov fabricated claims of illicit payments to Joe and Hunter Biden from Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, allegations that fueled conservative criticisms. This plea deal, which carries a potential sentence of four to six years, effectively concludes Special Counsel David Weiss’s investigation into the Bidens. Smirnov’s admissions directly refute the prior accusations of corruption.
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Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, has voiced strong criticism of policies allowing openly gay service members, viewing them as part of a broader “Marxist” social justice agenda detrimental to military readiness. He initially expressed ambivalence towards the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but later regretted this stance, characterizing the repeal as a catalyst for undesirable cultural shifts within the military. Hegseth has since appeared to partially retract his previous statements, while maintaining concerns about what he sees as a focus on social issues over combat effectiveness. His criticisms extend to other policies, such as women in combat roles and transgender service members.
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Missouri Representative Michael Davis introduced the “Donald J. Trump Election Qualification Act,” which would overturn a 2015 law barring felons from holding public office. Inspired by President-elect Trump’s felony conviction, the bill would permit those with felony records to run for office if otherwise eligible. Davis argues this promotes civic reintegration after sentence completion. The legislation directly addresses the apparent contradiction of Trump’s presidential eligibility despite his felony conviction.
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Western sanctions severely hampered Russia’s aircraft manufacturing, significantly impacting its ambitious production goals. Despite aiming to produce 1032 passenger planes by 2030, only seven SuperJet 100s were built in 2022-2024, utilizing pre-sanctioned parts. This shortfall, coupled with the bankruptcy risk facing numerous airlines, highlights the crippling effect of sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry. The initial production plan was deemed unrealistic by insiders, revealing a disconnect between official targets and on-the-ground realities.
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President-elect Trump’s incoming administration, boasting at least 14 billionaires, starkly contrasts with his populist rhetoric. This group’s collective net worth surpasses that of the Biden administration by a factor of roughly 2000, raising questions about their alignment with the “forgotten men and women” who supported him. Despite claims of targeting wasteful government spending, potential cuts to programs like the VA and Head Start are concerning. Furthermore, Trump’s inability to guarantee that tariffs won’t increase consumer prices further undermines his promises of economic relief for the middle class.
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The reported assassination of Mikhail Shatsky, a Russian scientist instrumental in the development of cruise missiles, near Moscow has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from condemnation to celebration. Ukrainian intelligence services have openly claimed responsibility for the killing, asserting that Shatsky, a deputy director of a Moscow-based ballistics engineering unit, was a legitimate target due to his involvement in Russia’s military-industrial complex and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This claim hasn’t been officially acknowledged or denied by Russian authorities.
The details surrounding Shatsky’s death remain shrouded in some ambiguity. Photographs circulating on pro-Ukrainian Telegram channels depict a man matching Shatsky’s description lying dead in the snow; however, definitive confirmation of the identity has not been independently verified.… Continue reading
In a recent interview, President-elect Trump strongly criticized the provision of US missiles to Ukraine, questioning why Kyiv was permitted to strike deep into Russian territory. He voiced his vehement disagreement with this action, citing the unnecessary escalation of the conflict and resulting loss of life. Trump reiterated his desire to end the war, contrasting the Ukrainian situation with what he perceives as a less complex Middle Eastern conflict. This stance aligns with concerns raised earlier by his National Security Adviser, Michael Waltz, regarding the potential for further escalation.
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Spain has pledged a complete HAWK air defense battery to Ukraine, encompassing six missile launchers currently stationed in Poland. This significant military aid package, announced by Defense Minister Robles at the Ramstein meeting, will be delivered within weeks in response to President Zelenskyy’s request. The announcement also included plans for further aid shipments and increased Spanish participation in EU Ukrainian soldier training. This contribution follows Romania’s recent provision of a Patriot system to Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood