Russian garrison courts in northern regions have seen a dramatic surge in cases of soldiers refusing to serve since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, with thousands of verdicts issued under articles addressing unauthorized absence, desertion, and feigning illness. These cases, predominantly for unauthorized absence, represent a significant increase compared to pre-war levels, highlighting widespread resistance to military service. The severity of punishment varies depending on the specific charge, with desertion carrying the most significant penalty. While precise nationwide figures are difficult to obtain due to limited transparency, available data suggests tens of thousands of such cases across Russia in 2024.
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Following recent Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv, Poland strongly condemned Russia’s actions, asserting that Moscow’s goal is continued war, not peace. These attacks occurred despite a limited ceasefire agreement reached in March, which Russia is accused of violating. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, prompting international calls for a cessation of hostilities. Despite mediation efforts, Russia continues its offensive operations, disregarding pleas for a full ceasefire.
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President Zelensky asserted that Russia’s rejection of an unconditional ceasefire stems from its desire to maintain Black Sea missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and ports. He highlighted that a genuine ceasefire necessitates the complete cessation of hostilities, not merely a pause in fighting, to prevent further escalation. This refusal, Zelensky argued, demonstrates Putin’s intent to retain the capacity for intensified attacks, underscoring the need for continued international pressure on Moscow. A previous proposed 30-day ceasefire, supported by the U.S., was rejected by Russia, which instead demanded sanctions relief. Recent Russian missile strikes on civilian areas further illustrate this ongoing aggression.
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Released audio from Ukraine’s HUR suggests a Russian commander ordered his troops to fire on a neighboring unit for failing to follow orders, highlighting internal conflict within the Russian military. While the authenticity of the audio remains unverified, this incident is one of several reported instances of “friendly fire” among Russian forces. These incidents, coupled with intercepted calls revealing some Russians celebrating drone attacks on Moscow, underscore internal divisions and the human cost of the war. The scale of these internal conflicts, however, remains largely unknown.
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Effective April 1st, Canada now permits in-shell egg imports from Ukraine, a decision driven by limited U.S. egg supply due to H5N1. These Ukrainian eggs are initially destined for processing, but consumer availability remains a possibility depending on market fluctuations. This marks a significant shift, as U.S. imports previously held a monopoly under a limited tariff-free quota. The Egg Farmers of Canada offered no public statement on the new import policy.
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President Trump’s new tariffs, announced on “Liberation Day,” targeted numerous U.S. trading partners, notably excluding Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Cuba. White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett explained that this exclusion stemmed from a conscious decision to avoid complicating ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Imposing tariffs at this juncture, Hassett argued, risked disrupting diplomatic progress. While Ukraine faced new tariffs, its economy minister deemed the impact manageable, despite significant trade with the U.S.
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US officials have voiced concerns to European allies regarding the EU’s ReArm Europe initiative, fearing it may restrict access for American defense firms. This follows the EU’s push to bolster its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on US weapons, a trend accelerated by past US policy shifts. Secretary of State Rubio directly warned against excluding US companies from European defense tenders, highlighting the potential for negative repercussions in US-EU relations. The Trump administration, while supportive of a stronger European defense, opposes measures that would disadvantage American companies. These concerns underscore the ongoing tension between transatlantic defense cooperation and the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.
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A large-scale Russian attack on April 6th involved 23 missiles and 109 drones targeting multiple Ukrainian oblasts, resulting in at least one fatality and three injuries in Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming ordnance, shooting down numerous missiles and drones. The attack primarily consisted of cruise and ballistic missiles, along with Shahed combat drones and decoys. This attack follows a pattern of Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
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In March 2025, Ukrainian forces used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strike 77,000 Russian targets, a 10% increase from February. This surge, driven by advancements in fiber-optic drone technology, allows for secure, long-range (20km) strikes immune to Russian electronic warfare. The increased drone usage, a key element of Ukraine’s asymmetric warfare strategy, helps conserve Ukrainian lives and maintain pressure on Russian forces. This successful drone campaign underscores the ongoing development and integration of unmanned systems into all Ukrainian military branches.
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A Russian missile and drone attack on Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, on April 4th resulted in 19 deaths, including nine children, and 68 injuries. European officials, including ministers from the Netherlands, Estonia, Czech Republic, and Lithuania, strongly condemned the attack, highlighting its brutality and targeting of civilians. The attack, which caused significant damage to residential areas, was denounced as inhumane and a demonstration of Russia’s disregard for peace. Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, continues to be a frequent target of Russian aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker