President Vladimir Putin acknowledged a potential gas shortage in Russia, particularly in the Far East, as reported by The Moscow Times. This follows a sustained Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Putin suggested alternative energy sources like coal while also noting challenges in supplying new enterprises. Despite the Russian Ministry of Energy claiming vast gas reserves, the current situation raises concerns, possibly due to Ukrainian attacks on refineries and oil depots.
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Following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, it was announced that 26 countries have expressed their readiness to support a mission involving troops in Ukraine. These countries agreed to deploy soldiers as a guarantee force, or to provide support via land, sea, or air, once a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. The mission’s primary objective is to prevent renewed aggression and ensure Ukraine’s long-term security, operating in defined geographic zones and not on the front lines. While Moscow has voiced opposition, NATO maintains Russia has no right to dictate the presence of allied forces in Ukraine.
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Russia’s economic growth has sharply decelerated, entering a phase of “technical stagnation” from April-June 2025, according to Sberbank’s head, German Gref. This slowdown, driven by record defense spending, is hampered by weak private consumption and shrinking civilian investment, with the Central Bank expecting near-zero growth in late 2025. Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted a concerning trend of underutilized factories and cost optimization, along with a July GDP growth of 0.4%, indicating insufficient demand. High inflation and the Central Bank’s key interest rate are contributing to a challenging economic situation, reflecting the limits of Russia’s war-fueled expansion.
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Despite ongoing peace talks, Russia is reportedly preparing a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, with a potential breakthrough near Pokrovsk, a city Moscow has struggled to capture. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated Russia has deployed a significant number of troops to the area, which is a key transport hub for Ukrainian forces in Donbas. If captured, Pokrovsk’s fall could allow Russian forces to attack major Ukrainian-held cities in the Donetsk region. As peace talks remain stalled, Ukraine and its allies are working to bolster Kyiv’s defenses through weapons acquisitions and domestic development programs.
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Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has accused the former U.S. President, Donald Trump, of operating as a Russian asset, a serious allegation supported by circumstantial evidence. This claim is substantiated by Trump’s actions, including his alignment with Vladimir Putin during press conferences in Helsinki and Anchorage, where he prioritized Putin’s statements over American intelligence and betrayed agreements with European allies, respectively. These incidents, characterized as treason and betrayal, coupled with Trump’s actions undermining American democracy, strongly suggest his allegiance. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to recognize Trump as a Russian asset, as his actions have significantly aided Russia’s aggression and weakened democratic values globally.
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Romana Didulo, self-proclaimed “Queen of Canada” and leader of the “Kingdom of Canada” group, was arrested in Saskatchewan along with 16 others following a firearms report. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a decommissioned school where the group had been residing, seizing four replica handguns from the property. The RCMP confirmed the arrests, stating those detained are expected to be associated with Didulo’s group, with no charges filed as of Wednesday afternoon. Didulo posted a livestream of her arrest on her Telegram page, indicating she did not resist.
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President Zelensky has cautioned against territorial concessions to Russia, asserting that ceding Ukrainian land would only embolden Vladimir Putin and provide a base for future attacks on Europe. He emphasized that giving up the Donbas region would leave other major cities vulnerable and could open new opportunities for Russia. Zelensky warned that Ukraine’s ability to hold its ground would determine the eastern border of Europe and that Russia shows no sign of seeking a peace deal. Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s demand for international recognition of its territorial claims, while Putin stated he would continue the war if a peace deal cannot be reached.
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China showcased its advanced military capabilities during a Beijing parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Among the unveiled weaponry were the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile and the LY-1 shipborne laser weapon system, demonstrating China’s advancements in strategic nuclear deterrence and directed-energy weapons. The event also included various drones and missiles, highlighting the sophistication of its defense-industrial complex. The parade, attended by leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Il, served as a message to the U.S. and its allies, signaling China’s growing military might and ambition.
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In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that any territorial concessions to Russia would only embolden Vladimir Putin and serve as a launching pad for further aggression against Europe. He argued that Putin’s past actions demonstrate his strategic use of seized territories as springboards for expansion, potentially targeting cities like Kharkiv and Dnipro if Ukraine were to cede the Donbas region. Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe’s strength will ultimately determine whether Russia continues its aggression, highlighting the potential for advanced weaponry to bring the conflict closer to the continent’s heart. He underscored that Ukraine’s resilience is crucial, as its fate will directly shape the eastern border of Europe.
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Emergency services reported that a deadly accident occurred on Wednesday when Lisbon’s Gloria funicular railway car derailed and crashed, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and approximately 18 injuries. The crash, considered the worst in the city’s recent history, involved a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Lisbon, leaving several in serious condition. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which took place during rush hour. Scheduled maintenance had been carried out prior to the incident, and the city has since suspended operations of other streetcars while offering its condolences and declaring a day of mourning.
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John Q. Hosedrinker