A senior NATO official, speaking anonymously, dismissed Vladimir Putin’s recent declarations about being ready for war against Europe as a bluff. While acknowledging Russia’s military capabilities, the official stated that Putin is not prepared for a war with Europe and lacks the ability to win. The official emphasized NATO’s unity and its commitment to defending its allies, suggesting that Putin understands the potential consequences of any aggressive actions. This perspective was offered ahead of a NATO ministerial meeting where discussions about a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia were expected.
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Republicans have largely remained silent regarding Hegseth’s actions, which have resulted in numerous casualties. However, GOP-led committees in both the House and Senate are now focusing their attention on the Pentagon, requesting a thorough investigation into the September boat strikes. Chairmen of the Armed Services committees are demanding access to audio and video recordings of the incident, with the intention of uncovering the facts. Senator Tillis is specifically seeking clarity on whether Hegseth ordered a subsequent strike, which resulted in the death of survivors.
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During a cabinet meeting, President Trump announced the imminent commencement of land-based missile strikes against drug smugglers, escalating the ongoing conflict. This decision follows alleged war crimes committed during strikes on drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. Trump also stated that any country producing drugs that reach America is subject to these attacks. The administration’s actions and rhetoric are drawing criticism and prompting investigations, while also garnering support from certain figures.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a follow-up strike on a suspected drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea, citing the “fog of war” and claiming he didn’t see any survivors. The initial strike, part of a counterdrug campaign in the region, has prompted investigations following reports of a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat. President Trump distanced himself from the second strike, stating he “didn’t know anything” about it, while the Pentagon’s own manual indicates that striking survivors is illegal. Navy Vice Adm. Frank Bradley is expected to brief lawmakers on the matter, while the administration maintains he acted within his authority.
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Putin Warns of Possible Strikes on Ukrainian Allies’ Ships
So, here’s the gist of it: Putin, and let’s be frank, the guy has a reputation, is putting out warnings about potentially hitting ships belonging to countries that are supporting Ukraine. It’s like he’s saying, “If you keep helping them, your stuff is in danger.” The implication is clear: he’s considering targeting vessels involved in supplying or assisting Ukraine. The context here is pretty significant, considering the ongoing conflict and the increasing involvement of other nations. He seems to be trying to scare them off from giving more support to Ukraine.
Now, one thing that’s really apparent is the sentiment around these warnings.… Continue reading
The Pentagon announced that all National Guard members deployed in Washington D.C. would be armed with live weapons and conduct joint patrols with local police, a significant shift in the rules of engagement for domestic military deployments. This decision follows a recent shooting of two guardsmen, one of whom died, near the White House, prompting the administration to order more troops to the city. The move to arm these troops comes as a recent order finding the deployment unlawful is on hold, pending the Trump administration’s appeal. Additionally, the suspect in the shooting, an Afghan national, has caused the administration to launch a review of immigration policies.
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During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump dismissed voters’ concerns about affordability, claiming it was a “Democrat scam” despite polls indicating that many Americans blame his policies for rising prices. He further asserted that these affordability concerns were fueled by “fake news,” despite previously campaigning on lowering costs. This stance contradicts a recent Yahoo/YouGov poll revealing that a significant portion of Americans believe Trump’s policies have raised prices. Democrats responded with criticism, accusing Trump of gaslighting Americans and highlighting the impact of his policies on working families.
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Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been granted a full pardon by President Donald Trump, erasing his drug-trafficking conviction and 45-year prison sentence. The pardon has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who question the message it sends regarding the administration’s stance on drug trafficking and regional stability. Despite the criticism, the White House has defended the pardon, attributing the prosecution to political motivations. Hernández’s release has been confirmed, and his attorney expressed gratitude to President Trump for the action.
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The Pentagon has recently undergone a shift in its press corps, with several right-wing outlets and influencers, including Laura Loomer, gaining credentials. These new arrivals, however, immediately faced criticism after mistakenly claiming to occupy the desk of a Washington Post reporter, leading to mockery and corrections from the ousted press corps. The transition has raised concerns about the objectivity of reporting, especially with the Trump administration’s defense strategies and its military buildup in the Caribbean, coming under scrutiny. The shakeup comes amidst increasing questions regarding the legality of military actions.
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Ukrainian forces are maintaining defensive operations in key areas like Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, and Kupiansk, despite claims from Russia’s leadership of capturing these settlements. In Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops are holding the northern part of the city along the railway, and search-and-assault operations are underway, inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. The situation remains tense in Vovchansk, where Ukrainian defenders are holding their positions against Russian attempts to advance. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine views these actions as propagandistic efforts by the Kremlin to influence international negotiations, and the Ukrainian military is establishing logistical support to bolster their defenses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood