A BBC investigation uncovered the identities of Cvetelina Gencheva and Tsvetanka Doncheva, two Bulgarian women involved in a sophisticated Russian spy network operating from the UK. Gencheva, an airline employee, leveraged her access to private flight data to aid surveillance, while Doncheva conducted surveillance in Vienna, targeting journalists and officials. Both women, when contacted by the BBC, denied involvement or refused to comment, despite substantial evidence linking them to the network and its convicted members. While six other Bulgarians await sentencing in London for their roles, neither Gencheva nor Doncheva currently face charges.
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President Zelenskyy’s White House meeting with Trump and Senator Vance resulted in a contentious exchange, with Trump criticizing Ukraine’s perceived lack of gratitude and urging a ceasefire. Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s actions and challenged Trump’s characterization of diplomacy with Russia. Following this meeting, the U.S. curtailed aid to Ukraine until a 30-day ceasefire was agreed upon. Despite the setbacks, Zelenskyy has chosen to avoid publicly criticizing Trump, while Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue.
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Despite President Trump’s peace efforts, including calls with Putin and Zelensky, both Russia and Ukraine continue to conduct airstrikes, frustrating the former president. While the Kremlin claimed a 30-day pause on attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Kyiv alleges continued attacks on civilian targets, and both sides accuse each other of further aggression. Although Trump remains committed to a ceasefire, impatience is reportedly growing within his circle, contrasting with a calmer, more patient approach from White House officials. Ongoing attacks continue to inflict casualties and damage critical infrastructure on both sides.
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Ukrainian special forces, in coordination with intelligence and artillery units, successfully destroyed four Russian helicopters—two Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters—in a single HIMARS strike within Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. The attack, targeting a concealed Russian staging area, highlights the effectiveness of long-range precision strikes deep within Russian territory. The destroyed helicopters, including the advanced Ka-52, represent a significant loss in both military capability and financial value, estimated at approximately $40 million. This operation follows a series of successful Ukrainian strikes in occupied Crimea and underscores ongoing Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian military operations.
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Russia has dramatically increased monetary incentives for volunteer soldiers, with signing bonuses exceeding $23,800 in some regions and reaching almost $47,500 in others. These escalating payments reflect Russia’s difficulties in replenishing its depleted military units. The recruits largely consist of financially vulnerable individuals and susceptible youth swayed by propaganda. This escalation follows reports of intensified military registration efforts and forced conscription in occupied Ukrainian territories.
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Maksym Chernyak, a Ukrainian national, died in ICE custody at a Miami hospital on February 20th after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. His wife alleges inadequate medical care at the Krome Detention Center contributed to his death, claiming he was denied timely treatment for his illness despite reporting symptoms. Chernyak, who arrived in the U.S. on humanitarian parole, had been arrested on domestic violence charges his wife disputes due to a language barrier. His death is the third at the Krome Detention Center since October 2024, prompting allegations of a pattern of medical neglect.
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In a recent interview, Vladislav Surkov, a former Putin advisor, declared that Russia’s “Russian World” ideology is boundless and its influence will continue to expand. He described a Russian victory as the military subjugation and fragmentation of Ukraine, aligning with Moscow’s long-term goal of reclaiming its sphere of influence since the Soviet collapse. Surkov explicitly stated that Russia will continue its expansion in all directions. This expansionist ambition, as evidenced by continued intense shelling of Ukrainian civilians, has been a key element of Kremlin policy for decades.
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Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed international force for a Ukrainian ceasefire as simplistic posturing. Witkoff, who recently met with Vladimir Putin and echoed several Kremlin talking points, claimed Ukraine is a “false country” and questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian sovereignty over territories currently occupied by Russia. He suggested a ceasefire in the Black Sea region is imminent, while advocating for future US-Russia collaboration on various projects. Witkoff’s pro-Putin stance and apparent disregard for Ukrainian territorial integrity highlight a stark contrast with Starmer’s proposed intervention.
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Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jessica Aber, passed away unexpectedly at age 43. Before her resignation in January, she oversaw significant national security cases, including the prosecution of a former CIA analyst for leaking classified information, several Russian nationals involved in cybercrime and money laundering, and a Virginia company for illegally exporting sensitive technology to Russia. She also led investigations into alleged war crimes committed by Russian-linked individuals in Ukraine. An investigation into the circumstances of her death is currently underway.
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Prime Minister Starmer, distrustful of Putin’s intentions, is leading a diplomatic push to create a multinational coalition safeguarding Ukraine’s future after a potential peace deal, fearing Russia might leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks. This initiative involves securing Ukraine’s borders, skies, and ports, despite NATO’s limitations and Russia’s rejection of a peacekeeping force. Starmer emphasizes the need for stronger European defense commitments and a closer UK-US relationship, actively mediating between Trump and Zelensky to foster cooperation. He advocates for increased British military spending to meet evolving security challenges, urging a more immediate and proactive approach to European defense.
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John Q. Hosedrinker