Russia appears to be deliberately recruiting individuals with serious illnesses like HIV and hepatitis for military service, despite official claims to the contrary. Evidence suggests a rise in these cases among soldiers, coinciding with recruitment efforts targeting those with health conditions, including prisoners and residents of occupied territories. Recruitment tactics include social media ads and promises of financial incentives, while those recruited often lack access to adequate medical care. This practice is exacerbated by the dire healthcare situations in occupied Ukrainian territories, highlighting a disregard for the well-being of these recruits.
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Reports indicate that former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi declined a phone call from U.S. Vice President JD Vance in early March, shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting. The refusal stemmed from a “principled position” and a desire for unity, according to sources, with Vance’s team exploring potential replacements for President Zelensky. Despite hinting at political interest, Zaluzhnyi has not officially declared his candidacy, but polls show significant public support for him. In addition, there are reports of meetings between individuals close to Donald Trump and other Ukrainian figures.
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Ukrainian drones strike 1,300 kilometers deep into Russia, torching Shahed storage depots in Tatarstan, and it’s hard not to be impressed, frankly. Four years into a conflict that was supposed to be a swift and decisive victory for Russia, we’re seeing a completely different picture. We’re talking about a war that has bled Russia of manpower and resources, a war that continues to chip away at its military capabilities. To see Ukraine hitting targets so far inside Russia, particularly targeting critical infrastructure like Shahed drone storage, is nothing short of a strategic masterstroke.
The sheer audacity of the attacks is breathtaking.… Continue reading
Xi Jinping congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day for the first time, a move that’s definitely caught everyone’s attention. It feels like a small but significant ripple in the complex dance of international relations. For China, this is a calculated step, a way to position themselves strategically in a world constantly being reshaped by the ongoing conflict. It’s a signal, perhaps, that they’re assessing the shifting sands and are ready to play a longer, more nuanced game.
This act of congratulating Ukraine isn’t necessarily about suddenly becoming best friends. China’s approach is rarely that straightforward. They seem to be carefully weighing different scenarios, particularly the long-term outcomes of the war.… Continue reading
Despite Russia’s hesitation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that a bilateral summit with Vladimir Putin remains the most effective path to peace, with Western officials in attendance. US and Canadian leaders expressed support for Ukraine, with Canada signaling it wouldn’t rule out sending troops under a security guarantee framework. While Russia claims to have captured a settlement in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine announced the recapture of several villages in the Donetsk region, and both sides conducted a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been utilizing its own domestically produced long-range weapons to target locations inside Russia.
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Ukraine is preparing to mass-produce a new long-range cruise missile, nicknamed the Flamingo, with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers. Developed by the Ukrainian firm Fire Point, the missile boasts a warhead weighing over a ton and a flight time of around four hours, with a maximum speed of nearly 560 mph. This domestically produced missile, free from the restrictions placed on Western-supplied weapons, is expected to be a significant asset in Ukraine’s defense efforts, potentially targeting Russian assets far beyond the front lines. Production is currently at one missile a day, with plans to increase the production numbers by December.
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Following an FBI raid on John Bolton’s home and office related to classified documents, the former national security advisor criticized Trump’s Ukraine policy in a recent op-ed. Bolton argued that Trump’s attempts to negotiate peace with both Russia and Ukraine were incoherent and counterproductive, potentially hindering a just settlement. Trump, who claims he was unaware of the raid until after it occurred, has been at odds with Bolton since 2019. Vice President JD Vance stated the investigation into Bolton is in its early stages and driven by the national interest.
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As of the end of August 2025, the Czech-led initiative to supply Ukraine with ammunition has already delivered over one million large-calibre artillery rounds this year, with the aim of reaching 1.8 million by the end of the year. This effort has significantly reduced Russia’s artillery advantage, allowing Ukraine to maintain its front lines, according to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. Sixteen countries have contributed to the initiative, which was launched in 2024 and has delivered 1.5 million rounds last year, with additional contributions from various nations, including 320,000 NATO-standard 155 mm shells. The program remains on track to meet its objectives, with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy emphasizing the importance of the Czech-led channel for the total ammunition supply.
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President Trump has warned of “very big consequences” for Russia and stated he will “step in very strongly” if a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine is not reached within the next two weeks. He plans to monitor the situation and allow Russia and Ukraine to arrange a meeting between their leaders, distancing himself from direct negotiations for now. Trump criticized President Biden for not allowing Ukraine to attack Russia, claiming it hindered Kyiv’s potential to win the war. This is not the first time Trump has expressed optimism about a quick resolution, having previously suggested he could assess peace possibilities within a similar timeframe.
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Ukraine knocking out 17% of Russia’s oil capacity — and that’s just this month, Reuters says, is certainly a headline that grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It’s a pretty significant hit, particularly when you consider it’s a blow to Russia’s economic lifeline – their oil industry. It’s hard not to feel a sense of satisfaction, and perhaps even a bit of vindication, seeing this kind of impact on their ability to fund the war. It’s a clear illustration of how Ukraine is evolving in its offensive capabilities, using its resources strategically and effectively.
This news report specifically mentions refinery capacity, which is a critical distinction.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood