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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The US Department of State has approved two military aid packages for Ukraine, totaling $322 million. These packages include $172 million for HAWK Phase III air defense systems, encompassing maintenance, spare parts, and training, alongside $150 million for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and their associated support. The sale aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities by providing crucial equipment and services, such as missile repairs and logistical support, while also involving key contractors from the US and Greece. The US government asserts that this sale will not disrupt regional military balance and that the HAWK system will enhance Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats.
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A former security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway has been indicted on suspicion of espionage, accused of sharing sensitive information with Russia and Iran. The man allegedly provided details about embassy diplomats, floor plans, and security protocols. While acknowledging the facts, the defendant denies criminal guilt, citing legal interpretation of the information’s classification. If found guilty, he could face up to 21 years in prison, and this case follows another involving a researcher at Norway’s Arctic University suspected of espionage.
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John Q. Hosedrinker