Following recent clashes with Israel and the United States, Iran is formalizing plans for a major military expansion, with Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani stating the country could sustain a war for up to a decade. The Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved a draft bill to strengthen the armed forces in response to Israeli threats, a move that follows a 200% defense budget increase. This legislative action, coupled with Ashtiani’s comments, underscores Iran’s evolving security doctrine and its assertion of strategic endurance. The bill is now under review before a full parliamentary vote.
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In a landmark event amidst the ongoing conflict, doctors at Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital performed a life-saving organ transplant utilizing organs from a deceased 4-year-old girl. This historic procedure, the first of its kind at the hospital, involved the donation of her heart, liver, and kidneys, saving three critically ill children. Despite the backdrop of relentless Russian missile strikes and air raid alerts, a coordinated team of medical professionals successfully completed the complex operation, with recipients including a 16-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy, and a 12-year-old girl. This achievement occurred following a previous attack on the hospital, which caused international outrage.
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The World Bank has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine’s recovery, mobilizing approximately $81 billion through various channels. Their efforts focus on three main areas: providing essential services, aiding in infrastructure repair, and planning for future growth through economic modeling. Specific sectors like energy, trade, industry, and agriculture have received targeted support, including financing for energy infrastructure, simplifying trade processes, and assisting farmers to increase agricultural output. The World Bank acknowledges the resilience of the Ukrainian people, highlighting the dedication of railway workers, teachers, healthcare workers, and government officials, and emphasizes its commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
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According to reports from the United Nations and independent researchers, Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukraine surged in June, resulting in the highest number of civilian casualties since the conflict’s outset. The Institute for the Study of War indicated a significant rise in drone and missile attacks in the first half of the year, with an approximate 605% increase compared to the previous year. This escalation included over 5,681 drones and missiles fired in June alone, representing the highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion. The surge in attacks, including over 700 attack and decoy drones in a single night, is believed to be an attempt to demoralize Ukrainians and undermine their government amidst ongoing conflict.
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Several Russian regions experienced large-scale drone attacks on July 10, 2025. Explosions were reported in Kursk Oblast, where a facility and warehouse were set ablaze, and Tula Oblast, where major defense industry facilities were targeted. Dubna near Moscow, home to the Kronshtadt drone manufacturing plant, was also hit. Furthermore, debris from a UAV fell on the territory of the PJSC Beriev Aircraft Company in Taganrog, while a drone crash-landed in Lipetsk Oblast, causing a fire. While the Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 155 Ukrainian drones, no definitive information on the attacks’ consequences has been provided.
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During the Ukraine Recovery Conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial role of strong sanctions in compelling Russia to negotiate a genuine ceasefire, not just engage in superficial exchanges. He highlighted the immense financial burden of the war on Russia, estimating Putin’s spending to reach $300 billion next year, which sanctions could curtail. Zelenskyy acknowledged the importance of prisoner exchanges but stressed Russia’s lack of genuine desire to end the conflict, citing the high salaries of Russian contract soldiers. He also expressed appreciation for Donald Trump’s apparent recognition of Russia’s unwillingness to stop the war and underscored the need for Ukraine to strengthen its military through contract service.
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Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say. Well, this is certainly a turn of events, isn’t it? The buzz is that Trump is gearing up to use his presidential power to send weapons to Ukraine. The sources are saying this will be a significant move. It’s like the narrative has shifted, and we’re all trying to catch our balance. It’s quite a surprise.
Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say, and the implications are substantial. The talk is that this isn’t just about continuing the existing aid; it’s about tapping into our own reserves.… Continue reading
Russia launches a massive overnight attack on Ukraine with 728 drones. Imagine the sheer scale of that, the logistical nightmare of coordinating such a swarm, and the psychological impact of enduring it. No reported casualties, which is remarkable, but can you picture the relentless buzzing, the metallic drone of hundreds of these machines filling the night? It’s like a swarm of mechanical mosquitos, a constant, unnerving presence that would make sleep nearly impossible. This also gives an inkling into the amount of resources used to defend against these drones.
The reality is that Russia seems to be trying to overwhelm Ukraine with a sheer quantity of drones, a tactic reminiscent of the Battle of Britain, a strategy designed to break the will of the people.… Continue reading
On July 5th, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in coordination with other defense forces, conducted an attack on the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast. The base houses Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft. The General Staff reported that the strike hit a stockpile of guided aerial bombs and a military training aircraft, with other aircraft likely damaged as well. Further information regarding the attack’s consequences is still being confirmed.
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Ukraine just stripped the leader of Putin’s favorite church – his 8,000 parishes are next. This is a major development, and it’s hard not to see it as a significant blow to Russia’s influence in Ukraine. Stripping someone of their citizenship is a serious move, and in this case, it targets the head of the Moscow-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It’s a clear message: Ukraine will not tolerate those seen as agents of Russia within its borders.
The implications are massive, especially when you consider the scope of the church. We’re talking about a network of roughly 8,000 parishes. That’s a vast infrastructure of influence, a pipeline for ideas and values, all of which could potentially align with Putin’s agenda.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood