Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are meeting in Abu Dhabi to finalize a peace agreement, marking a significant step after decades of conflict. This meeting takes place with Russia largely absent, a shift driven by Moscow’s diminished influence in the South Caucasus due to its war in Ukraine. Russia is attempting to regain its influence through disinformation campaigns and by trying to manage trade and transport between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Experts warn that even if Russia’s influence remains diminished, instability in the region may persist, as internal power struggles are anticipated.
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Overnight on July 10, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities experienced another mass attack from Russia, marking the second consecutive night of aggression. The attack involved Shahed-type drones and ballistic missiles, resulting in numerous explosions and air raid alerts across the country. Initial reports indicate that two people were killed in Kyiv, with at least 16 injured, and damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, drone strikes in Kherson injured two more individuals, highlighting the widespread impact of the attacks.
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In a historic first, Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reported capturing Russian soldiers using only drones and ground-based robotic systems. The operation, conducted in Kharkiv Oblast, involved FPV drones and kamikaze ground robots attacking Russian fortifications, leading to the surrender of the enemy troops. These captured soldiers were subsequently guided out of the combat zone by drones and taken into custody. This novel approach, which highlights Ukraine’s strategy to minimize troop losses, enabled the brigade to seize both Russian fortifications and a nearby forest line.
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The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has held Russia responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 in 2014 and for widespread human rights abuses in Ukraine. This marks a landmark ruling by an international court, finding Russia accountable for these actions. The court cited numerous violations, including torture and restrictions on civil rights. The decision, based on cases brought by Ukraine and the Netherlands, precedes Russia’s expulsion from the ECHR following the full-scale invasion.
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The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Russia is responsible for widespread human rights violations in Ukraine, marking the first time an international court has held Moscow accountable for the conflict. The ruling encompasses a range of abuses, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, along with murder, torture, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Though the decisions are largely symbolic, as Russia has stated it will not abide by them, families of the victims view this as an important step. The ECHR’s findings are separate from other ongoing legal actions, but continue to pursue justice for the victims.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized a pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine without informing the White House or key officials, leading to confusion and a scramble within the administration. President Trump claimed ignorance of the decision, which marks the second time this year such a halt has occurred. The pause was initiated after Trump requested an assessment of US weapons stockpiles, but did not specifically order the Ukraine aid suspension. The decision, ultimately signed off by Hegseth, was based on the recommendation of Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby and approved by Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, but was ultimately reversed by Trump.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized a pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine without informing the White House or key officials, sparking confusion within the administration. President Trump initially distanced himself from the decision, but later ordered the shipments to resume, particularly those containing Patriot interceptor missiles. The pause, initiated by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, was purportedly driven by concerns about US stockpile shortages, despite the lack of a formal briefing or urgent request to Congress. Ultimately, this episode highlights internal policy-making challenges within the Trump administration, particularly regarding coordination with the White House and Congress.
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According to a CNN report, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in a private fundraiser that he threatened Vladimir Putin with bombing Moscow if Russia attacked Ukraine. Trump allegedly stated Putin was skeptical but “believed me 10%,” and made similar threats to Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan. These claims come amidst Trump’s campaign assertions that he would have prevented the 2022 invasion, shifting blame to the current administration. Simultaneously, Trump has recently expressed more critical views of Putin, signaling support for sanctions and air defense supplies for Ukraine, contrasting with earlier hesitations to pressure Moscow.
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Russia unleashed its largest single-day drone attack on Ukraine to date, launching 728 Shaheds and 13 missiles overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 718 objects were neutralized amid the assault, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to emphasize the need for peace efforts. As the attacks continue, and Russia makes advances, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed growing disappointment with Vladimir Putin and is now considering sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker