Ukrainian forces successfully struck the Russian cargo ship Port Olya-4 in the Caspian Sea, marking a significant event as the first confirmed loss of a vessel transporting military cargo from Iran. The ship, owned by the sanctioned Russian shipping firm MG-Flot LLC, was hit near the port of Olya after being en route from Iran, where it was used to transport Shahed drone components and ammunition. This attack highlights the ongoing efforts to evade sanctions, as MG-Flot continues to operate vessels involved in transporting military supplies, including those utilizing the “North-South” transport corridor.
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Zelensky’s firm stance, encapsulated in the simple yet powerful phrase “Russia must end” this war they started, strikes me as utterly reasonable. It’s a clear-cut declaration of what’s needed to achieve peace. It’s not a complex negotiation tactic; it’s a statement of fact. The war began with Russia’s aggression, and the solution begins with Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. Anything less is a betrayal of basic principles of sovereignty and international law.
That’s why it’s concerning to hear whispers of alternative solutions that seem to suggest Ukraine should just “give up” to end the fighting. It’s like suggesting a victim of assault can simply end the attack by consenting to it.… Continue reading
On August 14, 2025, Ukraine revealed its domestically produced Flamingo cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. The missile, now in mass production, was photographed at Fire Point, a leading Ukrainian defense company, although the exact location remains undisclosed. The project was developed by Fire Point. Further details surrounding the Flamingo missile have not been released.
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Following a meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s peace proposals appear to be offering Ukraine’s surrender rather than a genuine peace. This follows talks between Putin and Trump, where a plan involving Ukraine ceding unoccupied territory was reportedly discussed. Zelensky has rejected any land swaps and insists negotiations should begin at the current front lines, with European leaders agreeing on Kyiv’s assessment. Macron, along with Zelensky, emphasizes the need for a lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the return of prisoners and innocent people.
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According to biographer Michael Wolff, President Trump is desperately seeking a “big thing” to distract from the ongoing questions surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff revealed that Trump is willing to sacrifice Ukraine in an upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin to achieve this distraction. This decision follows the failure of other potential distractions and is driven by the persistent “Epstein drumbeat” that is threatening the former president. Trump is reportedly seeking to appease his base by removing the U.S. from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Ukrainian forces launched a strike on a Russian troop column in the Kursk region on August 17, severely wounding Lt. Gen. Esedulla Abachev, who later had a limb amputated. The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported the attack and linked Abachev to war crimes, emphasizing retribution for such actions. This strike, along with a separate operation that destroyed a Russian ammunition depot and eliminated Russian personnel in Melitopol, reflects intensified Ukrainian military activity. These events add to a pattern of high-ranking Russian military figures being targeted, including the reported killing of Deputy Navy Chief Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov earlier in July.
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The Coalition of the Willing convened to express unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, condemning any alteration of borders by force. President Zelensky announced that the coalition agreed key issues must be resolved with Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian involvement. Discussions also encompassed potential security guarantees involving land, air, and sea protection, alongside a fair and effective peace agreement. These developments occurred following a meeting in Brussels, setting the stage for Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Trump.
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European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and the French President, convened with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House to counter a US-backed plan that would allow Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territory. This unprecedented display of unity aimed to push back against Trump’s endorsement of the Kremlin’s proposal, which includes Kyiv ceding land in exchange for a ceasefire. The European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, arguing against a land swap and seeking clarity on US security guarantees. While acknowledging Trump’s efforts, they stressed that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and that Russia must face further sanctions.
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Ukrainian forces have achieved significant gains in the Donetsk region, liberating Pokrovsk and several settlements near Dobropillya, inflicting heavy casualties on Russian troops. Joint operations from August 4-16 resulted in the clearing of multiple settlements and the destruction or damage of substantial Russian military equipment. Despite these successes, Russian forces continue attempts to advance in the Donetsk region, with fighting intensifying in several sectors. Concurrently, Ukraine launched a drone strike on a key Russian railway station in the Voronezh region, disrupting rail traffic and hindering the transport of supplies to occupied territories.
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In response to a request from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European leaders will meet with former U.S. President Trump in the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict. The meeting, called after Trump’s discussion with Russian President Putin, aims to exchange information and discuss peace efforts following the meeting in Alaska. European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, intend to emphasize Germany’s interest in a quick peace agreement while ensuring Ukraine’s interests and territorial integrity are protected. The meeting serves as a precursor to a potential three-way negotiation including Zelenskyy and Putin, despite Putin’s current reluctance to participate.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood