A new investigation by Verstka reveals a disturbing pattern of internal violence within the Russian army, with evidence of commanders executing or deliberately sending soldiers to their deaths. The outlet documented 101 servicemen accused of murdering, torturing, or fatally punishing their own comrades, with at least 150 confirmed deaths and the true number believed to be higher. Methods used to enforce obedience include “execution shooters,” drone strikes on retreating soldiers, torture, and forced gladiator-style battles. Despite nearly 29,000 complaints received by the military prosecutor’s office, few, if any, perpetrators have been held accountable due to an informal ban on investigating cases against commanders in combat zones, resulting in widespread impunity.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the killing of over 460 patients and companions at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF’s actions included abducting health workers and seizing the city after an 18-month siege, leading to reports of ethnic killings. The European Union has also condemned the RSF, citing the targeting of civilians based on ethnicity and calling for the protection of civilians and humanitarian access. The violence has resulted in mass displacement, starvation, and a humanitarian crisis.
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The death toll from a Rio de Janeiro police raid in the favelas of Alemão and Penha has risen to at least 132, according to the public defender’s office, though the official figure is still being determined. The raid, which was the deadliest in the city’s history, involved extensive gunfire and the use of drones by both police and alleged gang members of the Red Command. Authorities, including Brazil’s President and the United Nations Human Rights office, have expressed shock and concern over the high number of fatalities, which occurred in a region known for gang activity and drug-related violence. The operation, which involved the arrest of key gang members, took place amid the backdrop of the upcoming C40 World Mayors Summit and Earthshot Prize events in the city.
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The Israeli military conducted a strike on Gaza, targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in the northern Gaza Strip, citing weapons storage intended for attacks on IDF soldiers. This action followed reports of an Israeli soldier’s death due to “enemy fire” in Rafah, prompting Benjamin Netanyahu to order the strikes. Despite the strikes, the IDF maintains its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and vowed to respond to any violations, while Qatar expressed disappointment and frustration over the escalation. The U.S. President has also stated that the recent attacks will not jeopardize the ceasefire.
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Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stated that the attack on Israeli soldiers in Gaza, which resulted in a fatality, was a violation of the US-brokered ceasefire, though he stopped short of directly blaming Hamas. Al-Thani mentioned that Hamas offered conflicting statements regarding the incident, which occurred in the Rafah area, with one claim being that the responsible gunmen had lost communication with Hamas leadership. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and noted that mediators are pushing Hamas and all Palestinian factions towards disarmament. The Prime Minister also addressed the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, criticizing the actions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and calling for accountability regarding the treatment of prisoners.
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The 2025 State of the Climate report, compiled by an international team of researchers, reveals that 22 out of 34 vital signs of the planet are at record levels, signaling alarming trends. Notably, fossil fuel consumption reached new highs in 2024, contributing to record-breaking global temperatures, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Extreme weather events and ocean heat content also surged, alongside increasing wildfire-related tree loss. Although the report paints a grim picture, it also highlights the growth of renewable energy and rising public awareness, suggesting that mitigation efforts, though urgent, could still limit further warming.
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Following a US-brokered ceasefire, Israel conducted further strikes in Gaza, killing at least two people and prompting doubts about their compliance with the truce. The attacks, some of the deadliest in the conflict, resulted in numerous casualties, including children, and led to accusations of targeting civilian areas and violating the ceasefire. Although the Israeli military stated they were responding to threats and would continue upholding the ceasefire agreement, these actions prompted responses from both sides. Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remained tense as both sides maintained that they were committed to the ceasefire.
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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has issued a stark warning to Moscow, stating that any attack on a European city, specifically Brussels, would have “harsh consequences” and trigger a devastating response due to its position as a NATO hub. He emphasized the need to avoid underestimating Russia’s military capabilities, including their significant ammunition production and operational reach. Francken also advocated for faster European rearmament, stronger economic sanctions against Russia to cripple its war economy, and the continued financial support for Ukraine. He also warned of potential “grey zone” threats, such as Russia exploiting minority tensions within NATO countries.
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Ukrainian Defense Intelligence reported the assassination of Veniamin Mazzherin, a Russian officer, with a car bomb inside Russia, alleging his involvement in war crimes during the 2022 invasion. Mazzherin’s death marks another instance in a series of targeted killings of Russian figures on their own territory, following similar attacks in recent months. Simultaneously, the war continues, as a children’s hospital in Kherson was attacked by Russian forces, resulting in injuries, and Russian forces have infiltrated Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the hospital shelling as a deliberate attack.
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A recent U.S. intelligence assessment reveals that Vladimir Putin remains resolute in his pursuit of victory in Ukraine, with no indication of readiness to compromise. Despite facing significant losses and economic challenges, Putin is committed to expanding Russia’s control over Ukrainian territory. This assessment aligns with previous intelligence evaluations of the Russian regime’s stance since the invasion began. While President Trump has vowed to broker peace, his efforts to date have been unsuccessful, and he has recently implemented sanctions against Russian oil companies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker