Former CIA officer Susan Miller refuted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s claims that the Obama administration manufactured intelligence to undermine Donald Trump’s 2016 election win. Miller, who helped assemble the 2019 Mueller report, emphasized that their investigation was solely focused on the data, with no external influence dictating their conclusions. The team concluded with high probability that the Russians aimed to get Trump elected, while acknowledging they could not determine the effectiveness of these efforts. Miller strongly criticized Gabbard’s assertions, maintaining that the intelligence findings were accurate and not politically motivated.
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Ukraine alleges that Russia is forcibly abducting Ukrainian children, indoctrinating them, and compelling them into military service, potentially to fight against their own people. These actions, reportedly orchestrated by President Putin, are part of a broader plan to replenish dwindling military ranks and demoralize Ukrainian troops. One example is Vlad Rudenko, who was abducted at 16, subjected to intense training, and eventually escaped. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin due to these child abductions, but Russia denies any wrongdoing, despite documented evidence of indoctrination camps and forced assimilation.
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According to a former senior CIA officer, Susan Miller, who helped oversee the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election, the claims made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and the White House that the assessment was an attempt to sabotage President Donald Trump are untrue. Miller stated that the assessment, based on credible information, showed Russia aimed to help Trump win, but there was no evidence of collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. While acknowledging that Russia sought to influence the election, Miller’s team did not find evidence to prove the impact of the information warfare on the vote. However, the White House and the ODNI have disputed Miller’s claims, citing a 2020 report that asserts there was insufficient information to conclude Russia had been trying to tip the scales in favor of Trump.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans for Ukraine to sell drones to the United States, with a contract currently being drafted. The potential deal, discussed with President Donald Trump, could be worth between $10 and $30 billion. Zelensky has tasked key officials with preparing the agreement, highlighting the importance of the sale. This comes as drones have become increasingly critical in the Ukraine-Russia war, transforming modern combat.
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Alison Mutler is a British journalist with three decades of experience, having begun her career covering the anti-communist revolution in Romania for ITV. Following the fall of communism, she worked as a freelancer for various media outlets before becoming the chief correspondent for The Associated Press, covering Romania, Moldova, and occasionally Bulgaria for 25 years. She continues to contribute to Radio Free Europe, Coda Story, and Euronews, as well as to universul.net’s English section. Her Twitter handle is @AlisoNJMutler.
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In a recent episode of South Park, a character, likely representing a show creator, expressed reluctance but acknowledged the necessity of returning due to a lawsuit and an agreement with Paramount. This episode also satirizes Trump with a sexually explicit depiction. The episode’s release is considered audacious given Paramount’s previous concessions to Trump, including the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and a financial settlement. This context is further complicated by South Park Digital Studios’ recent $1.5 billion licensing deal with Paramount.
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Former Ukrainian commander-in-chief and current Ambassador to the U.K., Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has cautioned that the conflict could extend until 2034 if a ceasefire is attempted without bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. He observed a shift in Russia’s strategy, emphasizing attrition targeting both military and civilians, replacing direct assaults. Zaluzhnyi stressed the need for Ukraine to reform its defense approach and mobilization to counter Russia’s exploitation of vulnerabilities. These remarks follow peace talks that yielded no breakthroughs, as Russia remains committed to the war until the West concedes to its terms, indicating a protracted conflict ahead.
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A “Carpet” plan was activated at eight Russian airports due to a drone attack, leading to flight suspensions at Vladikavkaz, Grozny, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Stavropol, Sochi, and Tambov. Airspace closures have resulted in delays, with 25 flights affected overall and 45 delays at Sochi airport alone. Simultaneously, air defense systems reportedly intercepted at least 30 drones in Nevinnomyssk, targeting a chemical plant, while the Rostov region also experienced drone attacks overnight. Passengers are currently awaiting the lifting of the “Carpet” plan.
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In a move to combat plummeting birth rates, Russia has formed a “demographic special forces unit,” according to the RBC business daily. Announced by Federation Council head Valentina Matviyenko, the group underscores the government’s focus on family issues. This initiative follows prior attempts to address Russia’s demographic challenges, including promotional campaigns and restrictions on abortion access. Despite these efforts, Russia has yet to see a reversal in its declining birth rate.
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Reuters has reported that Chinese engines are being covertly supplied to a Russian state-owned drone manufacturer, Kupol, via front companies, disguised as “industrial refrigeration units” to circumvent Western sanctions. These deliveries have allowed Kupol to ramp up production of Harpy A1 attack drones, with an internal document revealing a contract to produce over 6,000 drones this year, a significant increase from 2,000 in 2024. The drones, used for attacks deep inside Ukraine, are reportedly being utilized by Russia at a rate of approximately 500 per month, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated it’s unaware of the exports and regulates dual-use goods, while the European Commission declined to comment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker