Microsoft is fully withdrawing from Russia, with its subsidiary, Microsoft Rus, initiating bankruptcy proceedings in a Moscow court. This action follows a lawsuit by Gazprombank seeking repayment for allegedly unfulfilled contract obligations totaling approximately US$1.14 million. Despite a significant revenue drop since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft Rus reported a net profit before filing for bankruptcy. The move marks the final stage of Microsoft’s departure from the Russian market, following the closure of its 13 Russian branches earlier this year.
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Retired Russian commander Zaur Gurtsiev, decorated for his role in the Mariupol offensive, was killed in a Stavropol blast alongside another man. Russian authorities opened a murder investigation, while suggesting but not confirming Ukrainian involvement in the suspected suicide bombing. Gurtsiev’s death follows recent assassinations of other high-ranking Russian military officials, occurring amidst stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The incident further escalates tensions between the two countries, with accusations of deception surrounding proposed peace negotiations.
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Despite the upcoming Istanbul ceasefire talks, Vladimir Putin faces minimal repercussions from the US and Europe for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Significant European reliance on Russian gas exports, generating billions for the Kremlin, directly funds the conflict. The Trump administration’s threatened withdrawal from peace negotiations, coupled with its inaction on other potential leverage points, leaves NATO grappling with its purpose and efficacy. This situation highlights the hypocrisy of European nations condemning the war while simultaneously contributing to its funding through energy purchases.
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Over the past 24 hours, 173 combat engagements occurred across ten front lines in eastern Ukraine and within Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The most intense fighting was on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian forces repelled 66 Russian assaults. Elsewhere, Ukrainian troops successfully defended against numerous attacks, while Russian forces launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments. In the operational zone of Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces repelled 26 Russian assaults.
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Following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia’s unchecked power in the Black Sea grew significantly. Inheritance of the Black Sea fleet and the Sevastopol base, coupled with Crimea’s annexation, solidified Russia’s regional dominance. This control extends to Ukrainian shipping routes. Furthermore, modernization efforts have established substantial anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, challenging NATO’s influence in the region.
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Ongoing discussions between Ukraine and Germany regarding the delivery of Taurus missiles are currently underway, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy confirmed work is progressing on this front, although specifics remain confidential per an agreement with Chancellor Merz. Merz has previously expressed openness to supplying the missiles, while the German government maintains a policy of limited public disclosure on weapons deliveries. Pressure for the missile transfer continues to mount within Germany’s ruling coalition.
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The US is considering withdrawing from peace initiatives in Ukraine unless Russia ceases its aggression and engages in good-faith negotiations. This decision, while not abandoning principles or allies, reflects Russia’s unwillingness to cooperate toward a peaceful resolution. The US emphasizes its desire for constructive dialogue and a fair peace process, but will not participate in talks lacking genuine commitment from all parties. This stance follows prior warnings from US officials that a lack of progress will necessitate American withdrawal from mediation efforts.
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Despite earlier assurances, Russia failed to deliver its promised “memorandum” to Ukraine, the United States, or Türkiye, a breach of commitments made to all three parties. President Zelenskyy characterized this as yet another instance of Russian deception, designed to render peace negotiations meaningless. This lack of good faith underscores the need for intensified sanctions against Russia. The absence of the document follows Ukraine’s own submission of its proposals.
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The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleges that Serbian defense companies have violated Serbia’s stated neutrality by supplying Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of rockets and millions of small arms cartridges. These weapons were allegedly shipped using fraudulent end-user certificates, according to the SVR. The SVR characterizes these exports as a deliberate act of aggression against Russia, contradicting Serbia’s public stance. Previous reporting supports the claim of significant Serbian ammunition exports to Ukraine, totaling an estimated €800 million since the start of the conflict.
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President Zelensky warned of an imminent Russian offensive in Ukraine’s north, citing 50,000 troops amassed near Kursk, aiming to recapture lost territory and push into the Sumy region. Despite Russia’s claims of expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk, Zelensky asserted continued Ukrainian presence and recent Russian advances in the Sumy region. Simultaneously, Russia is attempting to breach the Dnipropetrovsk region, while Ukraine launched a major drone strike targeting Russian military infrastructure near Moscow. Amidst these escalating events, peace negotiations remain ongoing, although Russia’s demands for Ukrainian concessions, including Nato restrictions and territorial surrender, present significant obstacles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker