During a G7 meeting, the United States proposed imposing increased tariffs on China and India due to their continued purchases of Russian oil. Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato expressed that Japan would not support this action due to its commitment to WTO guidelines. Japan imports a small amount of oil from Russia and considers the Sakhalin-2 project a key LNG supplier, which is not subject to sanctions. G7 representatives are currently formulating a new sanctions package, aiming to finalize it within the next two weeks.
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A new investigation has revealed that Russia operates a vast network of over 200 facilities designed to re-educate, Russify, and militarize Ukrainian children. These facilities, located across Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories, include camps, schools, and military bases where children are subjected to patriotic indoctrination, combat drills, and even drone assembly training. The report, by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale, highlights the systematic deportation and militarization of children, violating international laws and potentially constituting war crimes. Furthermore, the investigation provides irrefutable evidence that contradicts Russian denials, with a significant number of facilities directly operated by the Russian government and showing signs of expansion.
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The 11th Army Corps has accused Russian forces of disguising themselves as civilians during a recent sabotage mission in Yampil, Donetsk region. The Russian troops allegedly hid in civilian buildings, using local residents as human shields, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. The 11th Corps reported that the troops were detected and neutralized, with the area remaining under Ukrainian control. This alleged tactic is reportedly a recurring issue, with similar incidents reported by other Ukrainian units in the past.
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Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Saratov oil refinery overnight, causing explosions and a fire at the facility, which produces over 20 types of petroleum products and supplies the Russian military. This attack, carried out in cooperation between Ukrainian forces, is part of Kyiv’s escalating campaign against Russian oil infrastructure. The refinery, located in southwestern Russia, has been targeted previously, and its destruction comes as Russia faces a mounting gasoline shortage. While Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted numerous drones, the Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.
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The Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) orchestrated explosions in Vladivostok, Russia, as a retaliatory measure against troops accused of war crimes. The targeted unit, the 47th Airborne Assault Battalion, was stationed in the Primorsky Krai region, approximately 6,000 kilometers east of Ukraine. The HUR source stated the battalion, known for its alleged brutality, fought in several Ukrainian cities. While Russian authorities attributed the blasts to a gas equipment malfunction, this operation marks the second such incident near Vladivostok this year, following a similar attack in May.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking a “clear position” from former U.S. President Donald Trump to help end the war with Russia. Zelensky desires a U.S.-backed agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine, including the ability to purchase advanced weaponry. He believes Trump could take “strong personal steps” to halt Russian aggression, citing the need for Trump to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has acknowledged the deep animosity between the two leaders and has indicated a willingness to mediate talks, though the Kremlin’s interest in negotiations remains uncertain.
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In response to recent airspace violations by Russian drones over Poland, the UK government has announced the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoons to join a NATO mission. These jets from RAF Coningsby, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, will bolster NATO’s eastern flank, reinforcing air defenses alongside forces from Denmark, France, and Germany. The Eastern Sentry operation, a move to deter Russian aggression, was initiated after incidents that brought Poland “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.” The Foreign Office has also summoned the Russian ambassador over the unacceptable violations.
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Finland’s Defence Forces are closely monitoring the Zapad-2025 military exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus amid heightened security concerns, as highlighted by General Janne Jaakkola. These exercises, occurring against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts to destabilize Western nations, demonstrate Russia’s objectives and available resources. Jaakkola pointed out the potential for the exercises to be a basis for future actions, drawing parallels to the Zapad-21 exercises that preceded the war in Ukraine, while emphasizing the potential for “unexpected turns” during Zapad-2025. In response to the exercises, Poland and Latvia have already taken steps to close their borders with Belarus and Russia.
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Ukraine targeted Russian oil production capacity, launching a series of drone strikes over a weekend. Attacks hit the Primorsk oil terminal, impacting sanctioned oil tankers and onshore loading equipment, potentially cutting loading capacity in half. Subsequently, the Kirishi oil refinery, a key supplier to St. Petersburg, was also targeted. In addition to drone strikes, a fuel train on the Orel-St. Petersburg railroad was blown up by Ukrainian operatives. President Zelensky emphasized that such attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure are effective.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the Armed Forces for halting Russia’s offensive in the Sumy region and making gains along the border. Zelenskyy specifically acknowledged the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the 71st Jaeger Brigade for their contributions. He stated that Russia’s offensive in Sumy had been derailed due to sustained losses, with Ukrainian forces advancing toward the border. Furthermore, independent reports indicate that Ukrainian troops have broken through towards Konstiantynivka, and the national flag was raised over the village of Zarichne.
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John Q. Hosedrinker