Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched a large-scale drone operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeting multiple Russian airbases hundreds of miles from the Ukrainian border. The ambitious strikes, involving drones launched from trucks within Russia, reportedly destroyed over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes, causing an estimated $7 billion in damages. The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the attacks, describing them as “terrorist attacks,” while reporting limited damage and no casualties. The SBU stated the operation aimed to retaliate against Russian air attacks on Ukrainian cities.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields, described by some as “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” resulted in damage to at least 41 military aircraft. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility, detailing a meticulously planned operation lasting over a year. The attack, following recent Russian ground advances, prompted calls from Russian military experts for a strong response. The incident further complicates already tense US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
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Following the recent conflict, Hamas’s control over Gaza has reportedly deteriorated significantly, with widespread theft of aid and property. Extremist groups are exploiting the ensuing security vacuum, while Hamas struggles to maintain order, even utilizing family heads with limited success. The loss of senior leadership has severely crippled Hamas’s administrative and security apparatus, further exacerbating the crisis. Consequently, the group is facing difficulties in paying its employees.
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Multiple news outlets, including Al Jazeera and Reuters, reported that a strike near an American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution center in Gaza resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 100 injuries. These reports cited various Palestinian news sources, including WAFA and Hamas-affiliated media. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were unaware of any injuries caused by IDF fire at the distribution site and that the matter was under investigation. The discrepancy highlights the conflicting accounts surrounding the incident.
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Over 30 Palestinians were killed and at least 175 wounded by Israeli fire while attempting to access an Israeli-backed aid distribution point in Rafah, Gaza. Witnesses reported Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd, who had gathered before the scheduled opening time, despite claims by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) of a “without incident” aid delivery. The incident occurred amidst a controversial new aid system criticized by the UN for its potential to exacerbate tensions and for its inadequacy to meet the needs of Gaza’s population. The IDF stated they were investigating the incident, while the GHF denied responsibility.
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At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles urged China to explain its substantial military expansion, citing a lack of transparency and strategic reassurance as a key regional concern. He contrasted China’s actions with Australia’s open defense strategies. Meanwhile, Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea as reckless and irresponsible. Marles also noted that while recent Chinese military exercises near Australia and New Zealand were disruptive, they appeared to comply with international law. The absence of a high-level Chinese delegation at the summit further highlighted these concerns.
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A large explosion was reported in Severomorsk, home to Russia’s main Northern Fleet nuclear submarine base, prompting immediate speculation on social media. However, the Severomorsk mayor subsequently denied any such event. Simultaneously, the SBU launched a major operation within Russia, reportedly striking over 40 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers, using drones. The SBU operation targeted aircraft responsible for bombing Ukrainian cities.
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Today’s large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on four Russian airfields, reportedly damaging over 40 aircraft including strategic bombers, represents an unprecedented escalation in the conflict. While Ukraine has previously targeted Russian air assets, this attack surpasses all previous efforts in scale and ambition. Simultaneously, conflicting reports emerged regarding attacks on Russian trains, with accusations of false flag operations exchanged between Kyiv and Moscow. This escalation follows a massive Russian drone and missile barrage against Ukraine, further intensifying the ongoing conflict.
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U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas’s counter-proposal for a 60-day ceasefire “totally unacceptable,” demanding their acceptance of the U.S. framework. Hamas offered the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, contingent on a temporary independent authority being established. Witkoff insisted on immediate proximity talks based on the U.S. proposal, emphasizing Hamas compliance as the only path to a ceasefire. The White House confirmed Israel’s approval of the U.S. framework, though official Israeli comment remains pending.
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A Russian military train carrying supplies was destroyed near Melitopol, disrupting a key logistical route to Crimea, according to Ukraine’s HUR. Increased Russian security measures followed the attack, for which responsibility was not claimed. Separately, a train derailment in Bryansk Oblast, potentially caused by sabotage, resulted in multiple casualties. Finally, a Ukrainian partisan group reported sabotaging a railway line in occupied Donetsk Oblast.
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John Q. Hosedrinker