In the Kursk region, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) repelled an eight-hour attack by North Korean soldiers, resulting in 21 enemy deaths and 40 injuries. The SSO, supported by infantry and snipers, utilized small arms and grenade launchers to fend off the assault, as documented in a released video. After expending most of their ammunition, the Ukrainian forces executed a tactical withdrawal. This engagement follows the earlier capture of two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops, confirming Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the conflict.
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President Trump issued a stark warning to Vladimir Putin, threatening significantly increased taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian goods sold to the U.S. and other nations if a peace deal regarding Ukraine isn’t reached swiftly. Despite past amicable relations with Putin, Trump emphasized the urgency of a resolution, claiming that Russia’s economy is failing and that a deal would benefit both sides. He reiterated his belief that the war could have been prevented under his presidency, asserting that he intends to pursue a solution, whether “easy” or “hard.” This marks Trump’s strongest stance yet on the conflict, following previous indications of potential further sanctions and discussions with both Putin and Zelenskyy.
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Two years after Canada announced the unprecedented seizure of US$26 million from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the government has yet to initiate legal proceedings for forfeiture. This delay stems from complexities in proving direct ownership, potentially necessitating compensation to Abramovich under a 1991 investment protection agreement. The government’s cautious approach, considered a landmark case with international implications, contrasts with other G7 nations’ methods of utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Despite freezing roughly $140 million in Russian assets, including a large cargo plane, legal hurdles and disputes hinder their transfer to Ukraine.
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President Trump has tasked Keith Kellogg with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days, a goal met with widespread skepticism. Kellogg’s appointment is seen as a precursor to Trump personally overseeing peace negotiations, though Russia’s lack of cooperation and concerns about potential concessions by Ukraine cast doubt on success. Experts like John Bolton worry Trump might pressure Ukraine into unfavorable deals, while others note the Kremlin’s immediate dismissal of Kellogg’s proposed peace plan as a negative sign. Despite these challenges, Trump remains committed to a negotiated settlement, potentially involving a meeting with Putin and leveraging sanctions as leverage.
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The Royal Navy tracked the Russian spy ship Yantar, known for intelligence gathering and mapping underwater infrastructure, near UK waters this week. Defense Secretary John Healey stated this incident, the second in recent months, demonstrates escalating Russian aggression and prompted a warning to President Putin. The UK deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor Yantar, even authorizing a Royal Navy submarine to surface nearby as a deterrent. Following a verbal warning, the ship departed UK waters.
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In a social media post, former President Trump threatened Russia with substantial sanctions and tariffs unless a settlement is reached to end the war in Ukraine. He asserted that he could resolve the conflict quickly, contrasting a potential “easy way” with a harsher alternative. Trump framed his actions as a favor to Russia, despite simultaneously claiming he loves the Russian people and that Russia aided the Allied victory in World War II. The post, however, contains a significantly inflated figure regarding Soviet losses in that conflict.
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Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new government has reportedly terminated the 2017 agreement granting Russia a 49-year lease on the Tartus port, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces. This action also reverses the revenue-sharing arrangement, with Syria now retaining all profits from the port. The Syrian government also implemented import bans on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel. Moscow has yet to officially respond to these significant developments.
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Lieutenant General Mike Elviss warns that a Ukrainian ceasefire would enable Russia to rebuild its forces and strengthen ties with a new axis of aggressors, including China, Iran, and North Korea. This would initiate a global arms race focused on armored forces, as Russia seeks to reconstitute its military capabilities for future conflicts. Concerns exist that Russia’s adaptable military could emerge stronger from such a conflict. Senior UK officials fear a renewed Russian aggression, particularly if a peace deal is brokered, highlighting the need for sustained Western security commitments. This mirrors Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s warnings of a more dangerous future conflict without robust security guarantees.
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Russia plans to legally seize assets of Western companies on its “unfriendly” list, escalating its response to international sanctions. This new law, spurred by a May 2024 Putin decree, allows for full confiscation following a court decision, unlike previous measures that only permitted freezing or temporary control. The legislation is framed as retaliation for Western sanctions and the freezing of Russian overseas assets. The move highlights the ongoing conflict and the significant consequences for companies attempting to divest from the Russian market.
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President Zelenskyy firmly rejected any compromise recognizing Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories, asserting their unwavering status as Ukrainian until liberation. He insisted on negotiating from a position of strength, refusing to legitimize Russia’s aggression. Ending the active phase of the war is Ukraine’s top priority, despite acknowledgment that peace negotiations will be complex. Zelenskyy’s stance contrasts with previous calls from various world leaders urging a negotiated settlement, even if requiring concessions from both sides.
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John Q. Hosedrinker