A British court found three men guilty of arson in a March 2024 plot, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence services, targeting a warehouse in London storing supplies for Ukraine. The arson, which involved recruited amateurs, is part of a growing campaign of disruption across Europe, with Western officials blaming Moscow for its role in more than 70 similar incidents since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Intelligence officials express growing concern about the increasing violence of these operations, including arson and sabotage, as the campaign evolves. The recruited saboteurs, often young people with no criminal records, receive instructions from Russian operatives, reflecting a shift in methods to employ proxies following expulsions of Moscow’s spies from Western countries.
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Following a call with Putin that yielded no progress on a Ukraine peace deal, President Trump expressed frustration, using expletives to describe Putin’s actions and confirming the U.S. would send more weapons to Kyiv. Trump’s decision includes sending Patriot interceptors and pushing for increased arms production by defense contractors. The Kremlin responded, stating that sending arms only prolongs the conflict, while Ukrainian officials express concern given the contradictory announcements.
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Audio recordings from 2024 fundraisers reveal that Donald Trump claimed to have threatened to bomb Moscow if Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Beijing if Xi Jinping invaded Taiwan. In the recordings, Trump described these threats to donors, stating that Putin “didn’t believe” him but appeared somewhat deterred. Furthermore, Trump discussed his intention to deport student protestors and asserted that “welfare people” would always vote Democrat, urging donors to give generously to his campaign to combat this. Trump also boasted about pressuring wealthy allies to significantly increase their donations to his campaign.
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Russia has drastically increased its drone production capabilities for use in the war against Ukraine, with the help of Chinese companies. Aero-HIT, a Russian company, has been working with Chinese firms, including Autel and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), to manufacture drones like the Veles, based on the Autel EVO Max 4T. This collaboration allows Russia to produce thousands of drones monthly, even though China officially denies providing military aid. Aero-HIT has been sanctioned by the US for its drone usage, yet Russia continues to use intermediaries to circumvent these restrictions.
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The EU is expected to finalize its 18th sanctions package against Russia this week after delays due to objections from Hungary and Slovakia, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. Unanimous approval is needed for EU sanctions, and both countries previously expressed resistance to the new measures, which include restrictions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. Slovakia’s concern centers on clarifying the financial implications of the RePowerEU initiative, while Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions. Despite these challenges, the EU is striving to tighten pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
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President Zelensky announced plans to bolster Ukraine’s drone and air defense capabilities during his Monday address. He discussed the need to increase drone usage on the front lines, particularly in areas like Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Orikhiv. Zelensky also met with defense staff to discuss acquiring more air defense systems and securing financial backing for domestic drone production, and indicated that agreements would be finalized in the coming weeks. Additionally, he noted that Ukraine’s allies are supportive of these efforts.
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During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump deflected questions regarding a recent pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, admitting he did not know who ordered the halt. Trump stated that defensive weapons were being sent, despite the Pentagon’s previous pause, which was reportedly ordered by Secretary Pete Hegseth without the President’s direct approval. This marks the third time Hegseth has unilaterally halted such shipments, while also advising Ukraine to relinquish its claims on seized territory. Trump’s reversal of the pause and critical comments on Putin suggest a shifting stance toward Russia and its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
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The United States will be sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to President Trump. This decision follows a previous announcement from the White House that some weapon shipments to Ukraine were paused due to low American military stockpiles. Trump’s remarks, made during a dinner with the Israeli Prime Minister, come after a tense exchange with Russian President Putin and subsequent intensified attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have expressed their support for the resumed arms deliveries, recognizing the need for air defense against Russian missile attacks, while Russia responded with a noncommittal statement.
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The US Department of Defense, under President Trump’s direction, has initiated the delivery of additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. This move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of increased military assistance, with a focus on defensive capabilities. Previously, the Pentagon had paused certain deliveries due to concerns over US weapons stockpiles, a decision which prompted a call between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed support for continued military aid to Ukraine despite the US’s focus on its own interests.
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On July 7th, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released a document purporting to be a Russian army order to bolster its military presence at a base in Armenia, a claim that had been previously denied by Yerevan. The HUR alleged that Russia aimed to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and destabilize global security by expanding its forces at the Gyumri base. This development follows a decline in relations between Armenia and Russia, as Armenia has shifted its focus towards the West and suspended its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker