The government is implementing new measures, including mandatory reporting of ransomware incidents, following public consultation. These measures aim to expose, detect, and disrupt criminal networks, protecting the economy and businesses. The British Library’s experience, despite not paying a ransom, highlights the devastating impact of these attacks, as seen also with recent disruptions at major retailers. Simultaneously, the government is also working to streamline other aspects of its national security defenses.
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The Radarom! campaign, a collaborative effort by the Lithuanian people and companies, has successfully procured over 2,000 drones for Ukraine’s defense forces. The campaign raised over €4.4 million, with the funds allocated towards purchasing both Lithuanian and Ukrainian-made drones and equipment. Over €2.6 million was spent on Lithuanian drone production, while €1.7 million was allocated for Ukrainian manufacturers’ equipment. The initiative, organized by LRT in partnership with other organizations, highlights Lithuania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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Russia intends to spend approximately $1.1 trillion on rearmament by 2036, representing its largest arms program since the Soviet Union’s collapse. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports that this investment accompanies a comprehensive mobilization of Russian resources for potential large-scale conflict. Within its military reform, Russia is establishing new military districts and formations while aiming to destabilize the existing global order through increased influence in Africa, hybrid operations, and cyber warfare. Russia seeks to reshape the world order, prioritizing the dominance of major powers and control over essential resources.
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In the second quarter, Google removed almost 11,000 YouTube channels and other accounts associated with state-backed propaganda efforts originating from China, Russia, and other entities. The majority of the channels taken down were linked to China, disseminating content in both Chinese and English that supported the People’s Republic of China and President Xi Jinping while commenting on U.S. affairs. Over 2,000 channels were removed due to their connection to Russia, featuring content in multiple languages that supported Russia and criticized the West. Additionally, Google eliminated channels linked to RT, the Russian state-controlled media outlet, which allegedly paid influencers to create content.
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Germany and the United States have jointly agreed to supply Ukraine with five Patriot air defense systems, according to Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The agreement was reached amidst an increase in Russian long-range strikes, including ballistic missiles that the Patriot system can counter. This announcement follows previous commitments from the US and other allies like Norway, all of which aim to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses. The systems are crucial for protecting against large-scale attacks, as Russia intensifies its offensive with both drone and missile strikes.
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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) alleges that Magamedrasulov aided his Russian father in illegal industrial hemp trade with Russia and is investigating his potential contact with Russian spies. The SBU is also examining whether Magamedrasulov shared confidential information about corruption investigations with Russian agents and his close contact with pro-Russian lawmaker Fedir Khrystenko, suspected of being a Russian spy. National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) reported searches targeting staff members, often citing traffic accidents as grounds, while also investigating possible ties to the aggressor state, though NABU believes this doesn’t warrant halting its operations.
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Armenian police have refused to extradite Semyon Subbotin, a Russian deserter, despite Russia placing him on an international wanted list for desertion. Subbotin, aided by a project assisting those fleeing mobilization, sought protection from Armenian authorities after learning of potential attempts to forcibly return him to Russia. Following a 72-hour detention, during which Russia attempted to take him without proper procedures, Subbotin was released and remains free. Russia has not yet formally requested his extradition, and any request will be reviewed by Armenian courts.
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Russia recently unveiled its Alabuga industrial park as the “largest and most secret” drone factory, capable of producing thousands of Geran-2 drones monthly. This facility, located in Tatarstan, employs teenagers, some as young as 15, in the assembly process, as highlighted by state media. The plant, which has been targeted by Ukrainian drones, relies on components from Iran and has seen significant production increases. Concerns have been raised about potential human trafficking related to the recruitment of workers for the facility, while Ukraine is also ramping up its own drone production capabilities in response.
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Overnight, Russia launched a barrage of 450 missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. While the majority of the projectiles were intercepted, several struck residential areas and critical infrastructure, sparking fires and causing significant destruction. Simultaneously, long-range drone attacks by Kyiv caused travel disruptions at Moscow airports, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for talks with Russia to negotiate a ceasefire amidst increasing pressure.
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A French organization has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that Russia is conducting a systematic and organized looting of Ukrainian museums. The complaint claims this plundering, which includes the theft of over 1.7 million works of art and cultural properties, constitutes the largest looting of cultural heritage in Europe during an international armed conflict since World War II. The organization seeks arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and eight high-ranking Russian officials, accusing them of planning and enabling the appropriation of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The stolen items, which include collections from the Kherson Regional Museum and others in occupied territories, are reportedly being used to rewrite history and assert a narrative of Russian ownership over the region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker