Ukraine has targeted the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, disrupting supplies to these EU member states. The attack on the Unecha pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, confirmed by Ukrainian officials, prompted Hungary and Slovakia to request assistance from the European Commission. This strike marks the third attack on the pipeline in recent times, eliciting condemnation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who opposes EU sanctions on Russian energy. Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU nations still reliant on Russian oil, and the interruption has further heightened tensions amidst the ongoing conflict.
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On August 22nd, the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported the downing of a Russian Orlan drone carrying two FPV drones, a first for the Ukrainian military. This marks the first instance of Ukraine destroying a “mother drone,” a reconnaissance drone that carries other UAVs. The Orlan, a widely used Russian reconnaissance drone, often directs artillery attacks and can travel long distances. This event underscores the importance of drone warfare innovation in Ukraine’s ongoing defense strategy, including the development of its own drone-carrier with a German defense company.
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The Flamingo cruise missile, developed by Ukrainian company Fire Point, has undergone successful testing, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The missile boasts a range of 3,000 km and a 1,150 kg warhead with a 14 m CEP. Mass production is slated to begin by February 2026, with Fire Point aiming to increase production from one to seven missiles per day by October. Ukrainian officials, while withholding technical specifics, have emphasized the missile’s significant range and power.
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Canada will appoint its first foreign interference commissioner next month, as confirmed by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. This move is part of a larger package of reforms designed to combat transnational repression, spurred by investigations revealing Beijing’s tactics to silence critics. Following the publication of these findings, Canadian lawmakers emphasized the urgency of addressing foreign interference, leading to the new watchdog position mandated by legislation passed in June 2024. The legislation will also include a public registry of foreign agents, further strengthening Canada’s ability to safeguard its citizens and maintain its sovereignty.
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Scientists have observed a surprising slowdown in the melting of Arctic sea ice since 2005, despite continued increases in carbon emissions. This temporary reprieve is likely due to natural variations in ocean currents, which are limiting ice melting. While the rate of sea ice loss has slowed, the overall area has still halved since 1979, and scientists stress that the climate crisis remains a serious threat. Researchers caution that this slowdown is temporary, and melting is likely to accelerate again in the coming years, continuing to impact the region and contribute to global heating.
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The House Oversight Committee has begun reviewing the initial batch of Epstein files, sparking renewed scrutiny of Donald Trump and the Department of Justice. Representative Melanie Stansbury, a member of the Oversight Committee, has shed light on the ongoing investigation and its next steps. These documents promise to unveil new information related to Epstein’s network. Further details on the contents of the files are expected as the investigation continues.
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On Friday, President Trump was seen with a thick layer of makeup on his hand during an appearance at a White House exhibit, raising further questions about his health. This followed previous instances of makeup use to cover bruising, despite White House statements attributing the marks to frequent handshaking and a chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis. While the White House has been forthcoming with some information, like the CVI diagnosis, it has remained evasive on other health-related matters, such as questions about the president’s doctor and treatment plans for his swollen ankles. Moreover, the President’s appearance during his speech suggested a self-consciousness toward the makeup on his hand.
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US health official Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has requested the retraction of a Danish study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which found no link between aluminum in vaccines and chronic diseases in children. Kennedy’s request, a rare action for a US public official, stems from his skepticism of vaccine safety, particularly concerning the aluminum adjuvant. The study, involving over 1.2 million children born in Denmark over two decades, reported no significant risk of autoimmune, allergic, or neurodevelopmental disorders associated with aluminum exposure in vaccines. The Annals of Internal Medicine has stated they have no plans to retract the study.
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In a recent Oval Office address, former President Trump threatened to deploy active-duty military personnel to Chicago, citing an “incompetent mayor” and rampant crime. This move, similar to his actions in Washington, D.C., aims to “straighten out” the city, despite potential legal challenges under the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Trump claimed this plan, following his successes in D.C., would be welcomed by Chicago’s Black community. He also mentioned similar plans could be implemented in New York.
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In a Thursday night CNN interview, former National Security Advisor John Bolton criticized Donald Trump, suggesting he was manipulated by Vladimir Putin during their recent meeting. Bolton implied Trump’s administration struggled to communicate decisions consistently, causing confusion regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which benefited Russia. Bolton also mocked Trump’s comparison of himself to Richard Nixon in a Truth Social post, criticizing Trump’s approach to the war. Hours later, the FBI raided Bolton’s home, reportedly seeking classified documents as part of a national security investigation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker