Trump ready for second stage of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine conflict? Well, buckle up, because according to what’s circulating, we’re supposedly on the cusp of a second round. The big question here is, how seriously should we take this? Considering everything that has been said, I am finding it hard to trust anything at this point. Promises seem to be made and then… well, we’ll see. It’s like that old saying, “talk is cheap,” and in this case, we’re hearing a lot of it.
It’s worth remembering how everything has played out so far. Didn’t we hear something about this happening in two weeks?… Continue reading
Following a massive Russian air attack on Kyiv, President Trump announced his readiness to impose sanctions on Russia. The attack, which included drones and missiles, targeted residential areas and the government headquarters, resulting in casualties. This attack occurred shortly after failed peace talks between Trump and Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelensky called for sanctions. Despite the ongoing attacks and stalled peace negotiations, Trump maintained that he could still arrange talks between Putin and Zelensky.
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The Trump administration is considering increasing restrictions on several delegations attending the upcoming U.N. meeting, including those from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and potentially Brazil. These restrictions may severely limit their travel outside New York City and even bar them from shopping at wholesale stores without express permission from the State Department. These measures follow the denial of visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Simultaneously, the administration has granted a waiver to Syria, easing its travel limitations. The State Department has yet to comment on the potential restrictions.
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Russia’s economic growth has sharply decelerated, entering a phase of “technical stagnation” from April-June 2025, according to Sberbank’s head, German Gref. This slowdown, driven by record defense spending, is hampered by weak private consumption and shrinking civilian investment, with the Central Bank expecting near-zero growth in late 2025. Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted a concerning trend of underutilized factories and cost optimization, along with a July GDP growth of 0.4%, indicating insufficient demand. High inflation and the Central Bank’s key interest rate are contributing to a challenging economic situation, reflecting the limits of Russia’s war-fueled expansion.
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Ukraine’s intelligence branch has identified over 260 pieces of foreign-made equipment used by Russia’s Uralvagonzavod, the country’s primary tank manufacturer. These high-tech tools, including those from NATO member states, are used to produce T-series tanks, forming the backbone of Russia’s armored forces. The Ukrainian agency’s findings suggest that the majority of this equipment was purchased before 2022, prior to the implementation of sanctions. Kyiv hopes this updated list will encourage foreign manufacturers to carefully monitor the supply of spare parts and software updates to Russia, potentially impacting its military production.
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In response to two recent mass missile attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced Russia’s actions and called for stronger sanctions. Zelensky criticized Moscow for using the time intended for talks to launch attacks, following meetings involving US and European leaders. The attacks, which resulted in numerous casualties and damaged infrastructure, prompted Zelensky to emphasize that further economic measures, particularly in banking and energy, are crucial to foster diplomacy. He urged the US, Europe, and the international community to take decisive action.
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The European Commission is exploring a mechanism to channel nearly €200 billion in frozen Russian assets toward Ukraine’s reconstruction. This plan involves transferring the assets into a special fund for higher-risk investments to generate greater returns, potentially increasing pressure on Russia and paving the way for future reparations. While immediate confiscation is opposed by many EU members, the initiative, pushed by key figures within the Commission, aims to create a fund modeled on the European Stability Mechanism. The proposal has gained traction, with some countries like Belgium showing increased support, despite concerns about potential financial risks and the burden on EU taxpayers.
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A Russian strike on Thursday severely damaged the EU Delegation in Kyiv, escalating tensions and hindering diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. European officials strongly condemned the attack, with the European Commission President expressing outrage and the EU Ambassador to Kyiv noting the delegation was damaged by the shockwave of a missile strike on a nearby civilian building. The attack, which resulted in casualties and widespread destruction, follows stalled peace negotiations and a recent escalation of Russian attacks despite Western efforts for a settlement. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, also condemned the strike, calling for stronger sanctions and a global response to Russia’s actions.
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Oil prices climb after Ukraine attacks hit Russian energy sites, leading to a noticeable shift in the global energy market. It’s a situation that’s sparking conversations about the effectiveness of existing sanctions, the geopolitical realities of the ongoing conflict, and the ripple effects on the global economy. The attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, especially refineries and storage facilities, have led to reduced supply, and with less oil available, the price inevitably goes up. This increase isn’t just a simple reflection of supply and demand; it’s a complex dance of politics, economics, and, unfortunately, ongoing conflict.
Oil prices climb after Ukraine attacks hit Russian energy sites, even though some might assume that existing sanctions would make this impact negligible.… Continue reading
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker