Following a call with Putin that yielded no progress on a Ukraine peace deal, President Trump expressed frustration, using expletives to describe Putin’s actions and confirming the U.S. would send more weapons to Kyiv. Trump’s decision includes sending Patriot interceptors and pushing for increased arms production by defense contractors. The Kremlin responded, stating that sending arms only prolongs the conflict, while Ukrainian officials express concern given the contradictory announcements.
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Audio recordings from 2024 fundraisers reveal that Donald Trump claimed to have threatened to bomb Moscow if Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Beijing if Xi Jinping invaded Taiwan. In the recordings, Trump described these threats to donors, stating that Putin “didn’t believe” him but appeared somewhat deterred. Furthermore, Trump discussed his intention to deport student protestors and asserted that “welfare people” would always vote Democrat, urging donors to give generously to his campaign to combat this. Trump also boasted about pressuring wealthy allies to significantly increase their donations to his campaign.
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Russia has drastically increased its drone production capabilities for use in the war against Ukraine, with the help of Chinese companies. Aero-HIT, a Russian company, has been working with Chinese firms, including Autel and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), to manufacture drones like the Veles, based on the Autel EVO Max 4T. This collaboration allows Russia to produce thousands of drones monthly, even though China officially denies providing military aid. Aero-HIT has been sanctioned by the US for its drone usage, yet Russia continues to use intermediaries to circumvent these restrictions.
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The EU is expected to finalize its 18th sanctions package against Russia this week after delays due to objections from Hungary and Slovakia, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. Unanimous approval is needed for EU sanctions, and both countries previously expressed resistance to the new measures, which include restrictions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. Slovakia’s concern centers on clarifying the financial implications of the RePowerEU initiative, while Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions. Despite these challenges, the EU is striving to tighten pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
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In Moscow, Andrey Korneichuk, a 42-year-old deputy head within the Russian Federal Road Agency, passed away at the Transportation Ministry’s headquarters. Reports from Telegram channels suggest he collapsed and died either in his office or during a meeting, with paramedics confirming his death at the scene due to apparent cardiac arrest. This incident occurred shortly after reports surfaced regarding the dismissal of Transportation Minister Roman Starovoit, who was later found dead by suicide. The timing of these events has raised questions.
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The United States will be sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to President Trump. This decision follows a previous announcement from the White House that some weapon shipments to Ukraine were paused due to low American military stockpiles. Trump’s remarks, made during a dinner with the Israeli Prime Minister, come after a tense exchange with Russian President Putin and subsequent intensified attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have expressed their support for the resumed arms deliveries, recognizing the need for air defense against Russian missile attacks, while Russia responded with a noncommittal statement.
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The US Department of Defense, under President Trump’s direction, has initiated the delivery of additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. This move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of increased military assistance, with a focus on defensive capabilities. Previously, the Pentagon had paused certain deliveries due to concerns over US weapons stockpiles, a decision which prompted a call between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed support for continued military aid to Ukraine despite the US’s focus on its own interests.
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On July 7th, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released a document purporting to be a Russian army order to bolster its military presence at a base in Armenia, a claim that had been previously denied by Yerevan. The HUR alleged that Russia aimed to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and destabilize global security by expanding its forces at the Gyumri base. This development follows a decline in relations between Armenia and Russia, as Armenia has shifted its focus towards the West and suspended its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
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In a recent development, Colonel General Khalil Arslanov, a former deputy chief of the Russian army’s General Staff, received a 17-year prison sentence for orchestrating the theft of over 1 billion roubles from Defense Ministry contracts. The court found Arslanov guilty of embezzling funds from state contracts with Voentelecom and extorting a bribe. This case is part of a broader crackdown on military corruption, with the sentencing of Arslanov following the previous week’s 13-year sentence given to former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. Both cases, along with others, highlight the Russian government’s increased prosecution of high-ranking defense officials.
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Recent reports indicate the discovery of a massive oil reserve, estimated at 511 billion barrels, under Antarctica’s ice, potentially reshaping global energy markets and challenging the Antarctic Treaty. Russian research ships made this discovery in the Weddell Sea, a region with overlapping territorial claims, raising concerns about Russia’s motives, especially given its intensifying geopolitical conflicts. Despite the treaty’s ban on resource exploitation, Russia’s increased seismic activity and growing presence have sparked fears of potential violations, while China’s involvement further complicates the situation. The international community now faces the challenge of upholding the treaty and safeguarding environmental preservation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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John Q. Hosedrinker