In an attempt to distract from the Epstein case, Trump and his allies are using the declassified “Durham Annex” to allege Democratic misconduct related to the Russia investigation. The annex, which was released at the request of Senator Chuck Grassley, was touted as evidence that Hillary Clinton approved a plan to smear Trump with Russia collusion. However, the annex, in fact, appears to suggest that the “evidence” being touted as proof of conspiracies was fabricated by Russian intelligence. This diversion tactic, similar to the Durham investigation’s broader aim, is a way for Trump to redirect attention away from his own scandals, even if the claims prove to be false.
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HIV cases among Russian soldiers have dramatically increased by 2,000% since the invasion of Ukraine, a new report indicates. This surge is attributed to factors such as unsafe medical practices and risky behaviors, like unprotected sex and drug use within the military. The report also suggests a broader impact, highlighting that Russia is now among the top countries globally for new HIV cases, a situation worsened by political decisions and the suppression of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. Actions taken by the Kremlin, including targeting organizations like Elton John’s charity, have further hindered progress and contributed to the crisis.
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A Russian missile strike on July 31, 2025, devastated a residential building in Kyiv, killing at least 27 people and injuring over 150. The attack, part of a wave of overnight strikes, resulted in the complete destruction of some apartments and the loss of family members for many residents. Despite the U.S. pushing for peace talks and threats of tariffs, residents expressed a belief that the attacks would continue, and the war would not end soon. The tragedy highlighted the widespread destruction and the emotional toll on those affected.
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In a move further restricting online freedoms, Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a law fining individuals for intentionally seeking or accessing “extremist” content online, including through VPNs and search engines. Penalties range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, with steeper fines for those advertising access to banned resources. The definition of “extremism” in Russia is broad and has been used to suppress dissenting voices and information challenging the Kremlin’s narrative. Additionally, the law introduces fines for the illegal transfer of subscriber data. This law arrives amidst a broader crackdown on internet freedom in Russia, marked by increased censorship and the blocking of hundreds of thousands of websites in 2024.
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The Russian military is deliberately targeting civilian gatherings and infrastructure in Kharkiv Oblast, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. Recent attacks include a strike on a warehouse in Vasyshcheve that resulted in casualties and additional strikes on Shevchenkivskyi and Slobidskyi districts of Kharkiv. Kupiansk, a city of logistical importance, was also hit, causing both fatalities and injuries, while Novoplatonivka was attacked while civilians were waiting for humanitarian aid. Kharkiv Oblast, bordering Russia, continues to face relentless attacks from Russian forces.
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During a virtual event with Finland, President Zelensky advocated for regime change in Russia, arguing it is the only solution to prevent future destabilization of neighboring countries. He emphasized that Russia must be coerced into ending the war it started, suggesting the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in the West as a means to achieve this. Zelensky’s comments followed unsuccessful direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow and were made after a devastating overnight attack on Kyiv. While Western nations have been hesitant to fully confiscate Russian assets due to legal and financial stability concerns, Zelensky pushed for their use in supporting Ukraine.
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A recent column published by the Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti called for the extermination of all Ukrainians, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s dehumanizing war propaganda. The article, penned by Kirill Strelnikov, denies Ukrainian humanity and repeats Kremlin propaganda lines, portraying Ukrainians as expendable pawns of the West. This rhetoric contradicts the reality of a population defending its sovereignty against an unprovoked invasion and echoes a long-standing Kremlin narrative designed to deny Ukraine’s right to exist, further solidifying Russia’s genocidal framing of the conflict. The outlet and the author have previously been known to spread disinformation.
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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has presented evidence to The Hague detailing over 10,000 instances of alleged Russian chemical weapons usage against Ukrainian troops since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The evidence, including materials delivered to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), points to the frequent use of banned riot control agents and toxic compounds like chloropicrin, often deployed via drones. These attacks have been concentrated in eastern Ukraine, violating the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention signed by Russia. International investigations and sanctions have been initiated, with Dutch intelligence corroborating the findings and expressing concern over the normalization of these practices.
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During the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, a significant protest occurred as Valentina Matvienko, representing the Russian Federation, began her speech. Video evidence shows dozens of delegates from various national delegations exiting the hall in protest. This action, shared by the Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, was a demarche against the aggressor and a show of support for Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada had previously urged partners to boycott the Russian delegation’s participation, and this conference marks the first such event since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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In a recent development, Ukrainian authorities have apprehended an air force officer suspected of espionage. The officer, a major and flight instructor, is accused of providing Russia with sensitive information, including the locations and flight schedules of Western-supplied fighter jets like the F-16s and Mirage 2000s. This information was allegedly used to aid Russian forces in planning attacks against Ukrainian air bases. The SBU believes the officer was acting on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence agency, assisting them in circumventing Ukraine’s air defenses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker