Seventeen-year-old Edward Coristine, later hired by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), faced accusations of leaking proprietary information during a cybersecurity internship. Despite concerns from executives, his employer allowed him to continue, albeit with restricted access. Now nineteen, Coristine holds a senior advisor role within DOGE, prompting concerns regarding his suitability given his age and past actions. These concerns are amplified by DOGE’s access to highly sensitive government data and lack of transparency regarding its personnel vetting procedures.
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Driven by concerns over waning U.S. support and escalating tensions, the EU is exploring using frozen Russian central bank assets—approximately $280 billion—to aid Ukraine. Proposals include using these assets as collateral for an International Claims Commission to assess damages, potentially leading to confiscation if Russia refuses payment, or directly allocating them to Ukrainian energy infrastructure reconstruction. While some EU members express legal and economic reservations, the European Commission is initiating negotiations for the Claims Commission on March 24th. This initiative supplements the G7’s pledge to use profits from frozen assets for a Ukrainian loan.
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Ukraine’s effective use of domestically produced drones has become pivotal in its defense against Russia, accounting for a majority of Russian battlefield losses, particularly when integrated with artillery. This success has led to a massive increase in drone production, from thousands in 2022 to a projected four million annually. The conflict is increasingly characterized as a “drone war,” with continuous innovation driven by private companies adapting to evolving battlefield needs. Ukraine’s drone advancements are influencing global warfare perceptions and providing valuable lessons for allies, even as Russia develops its own drone capabilities.
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Reuters reported that the U.S. threatened to cut off Starlink service to Ukraine unless a minerals deal was reached, a claim Elon Musk vehemently denied on X, calling it a falsehood and accusing Reuters of lying. This followed reports that negotiations were ongoing after Ukrainian President Zelensky initially rejected a U.S. proposal. Musk’s denial lacks supporting evidence and contrasts with his past criticisms of Ukraine and support for Russian narratives. The potential Starlink interruption is significant given its crucial role in Ukraine’s war effort.
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On February 20, 2025, Ukrainian Security Service units, in coordination with other defense forces, successfully struck the Novovelichkovskaya oil pumping station in Russia’s Krasnodar territory, a key facility supporting the Russian occupation forces. The station services the Tikhoretsk – Novorossiysk-2 pipeline. Russian forces responded with ground-based air defenses and helicopters. Further assessment of the strike’s effectiveness is underway, but future operations targeting similar strategic facilities are planned.
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The UK will announce its largest sanctions package against Russia since the war began, targeting the military and revenue streams fueling the conflict in Ukraine. This action, spearheaded by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, coincides with the war’s third anniversary and underscores a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. The sanctions announcement also includes a pledge of £3 billion in annual aid to Kyiv and the possibility of deploying UK troops for peacekeeping. These measures come as the US, under President Trump, shifts its position on the war, prompting UK efforts to maintain a united European front.
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Negotiations between the US and Ukraine regarding rare earth minerals have stalled due to disagreements over the terms. Ukraine finds the draft deal unacceptable, viewing it as unfairly extracting resources from a war-torn nation without sufficient security guarantees in return. The US aims to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals, while Ukraine seeks robust protection against future Russian aggression. Despite intense US pressure, Ukraine continues to seek amendments to ensure reciprocal commitments.
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New research from Eko reveals that Meta and X approved numerous ads containing violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish hate speech before Germany’s federal election. X approved all ten test ads submitted, while Meta approved half, despite policies against such content. These ads, including AI-generated imagery, used slurs, called for violence against minorities, and spread disinformation. Eko shared these findings with the European Commission, highlighting failures in both platforms’ content moderation systems and raising concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act.
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Ukraine’s firm rejection of a US demand for a staggering $500 billion fund tied to a minerals deal underscores a deep chasm in trust and understanding between the two nations. This isn’t just about money; it’s about sovereignty and the very nature of international relations. The proposed deal, framed by some as a lucrative opportunity, is viewed by Ukraine as a blatant attempt at economic coercion, a direct violation of the spirit – and perhaps the letter – of the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances. This agreement, signed in 1994, specifically pledged that the US, UK and Russia would refrain from using economic pressure to influence Ukraine’s sovereign decisions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood