Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania successfully disconnected their electricity grids from Russia’s, a move costing €1.6 billion since 2018. This action eliminates Russia’s ability to use energy as a geopolitical weapon against these Baltic nations, now fully integrated with European energy networks via connections to Finland, Sweden, and Poland. The disconnection, hailed as a victory for freedom, was executed smoothly despite concerns about potential sabotage, with Russia reportedly cooperating in the process. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard the newly independent grids.
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Ukraine’s Armed Forces are integrating laser weapons into mobile fire groups to bolster their defense against Russian Shahed drones and other aerial threats. These laser systems, already successfully tested against aircraft at altitudes over two kilometers, will supplement existing defenses like machine guns and thermal imaging. The initiative reflects a broader Ukrainian effort to develop and deploy domestically produced counter-drone technologies, showcasing a commitment to technological innovation in the ongoing conflict. This advancement represents a significant shift in counter-drone capabilities, offering a potent new weapon against aerial attacks.
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In an exclusive interview, President Trump revealed his phone conversations with Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, emphasizing Putin’s concern for the escalating casualties. Trump asserted that a different presidential approach would have prevented the conflict and proposed a concrete plan for resolution, though details remain undisclosed. He also discussed potential negotiations with Iran, prioritizing a non-military solution to avoid further conflict, but declined to reveal specific details of his proposed deal. The former president stressed his desire for swift resolutions to both conflicts, highlighting the devastating human cost.
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President Trump’s special envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, advocates for a resource-based deal with Ukraine in exchange for US aid, avoiding past mistakes like the Iraq War’s lack of resource acquisition. Zelensky has expressed openness to such a reciprocal agreement, potentially involving Ukraine’s substantial mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and rare earth elements crucial for US national security. These resources, primarily located outside Russian-controlled areas, could offset the cost of US aid and reduce reliance on adversaries like China and Russia. Trump intends to discuss this with Zelensky, aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement that also brings an end to the conflict.
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A Ukrainian strike reportedly targeted the headquarters of Russia’s 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in the occupied city of Selydove, resulting in the deaths of numerous commanders. Unverified drone footage and social media posts from both Ukrainian and pro-Russian sources corroborate the attack, with some suggesting a U.S.-supplied HIMARS system was used. The strike, if confirmed, would significantly hinder Russia’s ongoing offensive towards Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. While the Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to comment, the incident underscores the ongoing intense fighting in the area.
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President Zelenskyy announced a new Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, reporting significant losses for the enemy, including hundreds of soldiers, some of whom were reportedly North Korean. Russia claimed to have repelled the counterattack and reported its own gains in the Donetsk region, although these claims remain unverified by Ukrainian officials. Simultaneously, both sides reported drone attacks and resulting damage within their respective territories. Reports indicate continued North Korean military support for Russia.
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In Gelnica, Slovakia, a small protest movement is gaining traction, inspired by a teacher’s assertion that even small-town demonstrations could topple the Fico government. Milo Janáč, a local resident, initiated organizing efforts after reading this, aiming to challenge Fico’s strong local support. The protests hold significance as they spread to smaller towns, potentially shifting the political landscape in a country already grappling with Fico’s pro-Russian stance and unsubstantiated claims about foreign interference in domestic affairs. The movement’s success hinges on expanding beyond the larger cities.
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Russia’s military buildup, exceeding 100,000 additional troops, signals a continued commitment to prolonged warfare, not negotiations, according to President Zelenskyy. This expansion, coupled with growing military ties with North Korea, poses a significant threat to regional and international security. Zelenskyy’s address coincided with a visit from NATO’s Military Committee Chairman, focusing on Ukraine’s defense needs and upcoming international security discussions. Alongside this, a voluntary one-year military contract for young adults was announced to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces and support ongoing recruitment reforms.
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On Saturday, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia successfully disconnected from the Russian and Belarusian power grid, marking the end of decades of dependence. This “isolated mode” test allows for independent frequency management and assessment of the Baltic states’ new system resilience. Sunday will see full synchronization with the Continental European grid, integrating them into a larger network serving over 400 million consumers. This move secures the Baltic states’ energy independence and future, ending reliance on Moscow for frequency control.
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Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI nominee, received $25,000 from Global Tree Pictures, a Russia-linked production company, to participate in a documentary attacking the FBI. This documentary, part of Tucker Carlson’s “All the President’s Men” series, promoted pro-Kremlin narratives and conspiracy theories. Global Tree’s leadership has ties to Russian propaganda efforts, including Kremlin-funded projects and collaborations with known disinformation agents. Patel’s financial connection to this entity raises significant concerns regarding his suitability for the FBI director position.
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John Q. Hosedrinker