In Russia, the cost of making borscht has dramatically increased, reflecting broader economic pressures. Key ingredients like potatoes (up 166.5%), onions (up 87.2%), and cabbage (up 56.8%) have seen substantial price hikes year-over-year. This “borscht index,” a common measure of economic well-being in the region, highlights significant inflationary pressures on staple foods. While beet and tomato price increases were more moderate, the overall impact on the cost of this popular soup is substantial.
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The G7 reaffirmed its commitment to freezing Russian sovereign assets until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damages inflicted. This decision, detailed in a joint statement following a finance ministers’ summit, also condemns the war and supports ongoing ceasefire efforts. Further sanctions are threatened if a ceasefire isn’t achieved. The G7 pledged continued support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, explicitly barring entities that funded the Russian war effort from profiting from this process.
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An international investigation, involving 30 news outlets, uncovered that Russia’s Kremlin-backed Pravfond foundation secretly funneled millions of dollars to pro-Russian activists and lawyers in Western countries, including Lithuania, between 2012 and 2024. This funding supported the legal defense of individuals linked to the Kremlin, notably those involved in the January 13, 1991 events in Lithuania. Several Lithuanian lawyers, including Ryšardas Burda, received payments from Pravfond, often transferring funds through sanctioned Russian banks even after sanctions were imposed. This activity, revealed through a cache of Pravfond emails, may constitute sanctions violations.
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Following a shooting in Washington, D.C., Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine advocated for nuclear strikes on Gaza, drawing parallels to World War II. He further decried Palestinian culture and expressed a desire for its defeat. This inflammatory rhetoric echoes similar sentiments from other Republicans, including Rep. Andy Ogles, who has openly called for the death of all Palestinians. Even former President Trump has proposed seizing and demolishing Gaza.
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Nikki Saroukos, a former NSW police officer, was detained, jailed overnight, and deported from the United States despite holding a valid tourist visa to visit her US Army lieutenant husband in Hawaii. During her visit, she was subjected to invasive searches, interrogations about her past police work, and a night in federal prison, experiencing what she describes as humiliating and criminal treatment. This ordeal, which involved the confiscation of her phone and a forced DNA swab, left her and her mother deeply traumatized and demanding answers. The couple are now considering relocation to Australia to escape further potential issues.
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Recent IDF operations in Gaza have resulted in a significant increase in Israeli control, exceeding 50% of the territory in a short period. This rapid advance aims to separate civilians from Hamas fighters and control food distribution, rather than solely focusing on eliminating Hamas operatives. While the ultimate extent of IDF control remains uncertain, warnings have been issued to civilians in northern Gaza to relocate southward to avoid further military operations. The number of civilians remaining in northern Gaza is currently unknown but is likely substantially lower than previous estimates due to both pre-existing evacuations and ongoing IDF actions.
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Canadian study permits issued to Indian students plummeted 31 percent in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 30,640 compared to 44,295 in the same period of 2024. This sharp decrease reflects a broader trend of reduced international student admissions in Canada, with overall study permit issuance falling to 96,015 in early 2025, a significant drop from 121,070 the previous year. The reduction follows policy adjustments implemented in late 2023 aimed at mitigating the strain on Canadian resources caused by temporary migration.
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Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade “Lithuania” commenced operations in Vilnius, marking the first long-term German troop deployment abroad since World War II. This deployment, seen as crucial for NATO’s defense against potential Russian aggression, will ultimately comprise 5,000 German soldiers and civilians by 2027. The move reflects a significant shift in German defense policy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a commitment to bolstering European security. Lithuania, a staunch NATO ally bordering Russia, is providing necessary infrastructure and support for the brigade.
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Following an incident where Israeli soldiers fired shots near a Canadian diplomatic delegation in Jenin, Prime Minister Carney deemed the actions “totally unacceptable” and demanded a full investigation and explanation. Foreign Affairs Minister Anand summoned the Israeli ambassador to express Canada’s serious concerns. The IDF claimed the delegation deviated from its approved route, prompting warning shots; however, this explanation was rejected by Canadian officials and others. This incident follows a joint statement by Canada, the UK, and France threatening sanctions against Israel unless humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza are lifted.
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A new North Korean destroyer, launched with Kim Jong Un in attendance, suffered a significant accident during its launch ceremony, sliding off its transport and sustaining bottom damage. The incident, attributed to negligence and inexperience, was described by Kim as a “criminal act” resulting in the censure of responsible officials. The damaged vessel, possessing capabilities similar to North Korea’s first destroyer, is slated for repair before a key party meeting. Despite this setback, North Korea also launched multiple cruise missiles on the same day.
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John Q. Hosedrinker