Leading up to the Alaska summit between President Trump and President Putin, a top CIA Russia expert dedicated extensive hours to preparing Trump’s team. This expert’s role included briefing the team and aiding them in navigating high-stakes discussions, specifically focusing on Ukraine. The expert’s efforts were crucial to ensuring the US delegation was well-informed prior to the summit. This information was provided by a former colleague of the Russia expert.
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Contrary to previous claims, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that there was no agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ushakov’s comments suggest that the discussions about the meeting were preliminary, as no formal agreement was reached during Trump and Putin’s phone call or Alaska summit. While Ukraine expressed readiness for unconditional negotiations, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have indicated that such a meeting is not yet feasible, citing preconditions and questions about Zelensky’s legitimacy. Trump, on the other hand, has stated that Putin avoids meeting Zelensky because “he doesn’t like him.”
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Kyiv Links Moscow to Killing of Former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker, and honestly, it’s not entirely unexpected, is it? We’re talking about a situation that’s been escalating for years, a conflict where trust is a rare commodity. The assertion that Moscow is involved, in some way, in the death of a former Ukrainian parliament speaker fits within a narrative that’s already heavily shaped by suspicion and a history of animosity. The details haven’t fully emerged, of course, but the initial reaction from Kyiv, linking the Kremlin to the alleged assassination, feels like a natural, perhaps even predictable, response given the current geopolitical climate.… Continue reading
During a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace. Modi expressed his support for current initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and emphasized the importance of expediting a cessation of hostilities. The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors, expressing satisfaction with the growth of their strategic partnership. Furthermore, Modi anticipated meeting Putin again later this year at the 23rd Annual Summit in India.
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On September 1st, the General Staff announced the 425th Regiment of Ukraine had liberated Novoekonomichne in Donetsk Oblast, a village with a pre-war population nearing 2,800. After two weeks of fighting, Ukrainian forces raised the national flag on August 31st, though the area had been in a “gray zone” according to DeepState maps. This liberation occurred amidst intensified Russian ground offensives in the Pokrovsk sector, potentially strengthening Moscow’s position in future peace negotiations as proposed by the Kremlin.
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In August 2025, the rate of Russian territorial gains in Ukraine decreased by 18%, with 464 square kilometers seized, bringing the total occupied area to 19% of Ukraine. This mirrors the percentage held on October 3, 2022. DeepState attributed the decline in activity to the rotation of Russian units, with assault intensity lower than in the preceding three months due to redeployments and troop rotations. However, analysts predict an increase in Russian activity during September.
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Modi says Russia and India stand together even in difficult times, a sentiment that resonates with a long-standing, complex relationship. It’s clear that the bond between these two nations has weathered many storms, stretching back to the Cold War era and persisting through shifting global power dynamics. The consistent message has been one of solidarity, a willingness to face challenges together, and this continues even now.
The backdrop to this statement is undeniably complex. Both India and China are significant purchasers of crude oil from Russia, a relationship that has persisted despite international pressure. This is not a mere economic transaction; it’s a piece of a much larger geopolitical puzzle.… Continue reading
On September 1st, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) announced the destruction of two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and a tugboat in occupied Crimea. Drones targeted the Hvardiiske military air base, destroying helicopters valued at $20–30 million. In Sevastopol Bay, Ukrainian intelligence struck a military tugboat, identified as a BUK-2190, used by a Russian special naval forces unit. The attacks, part of ongoing efforts to degrade Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, significantly limit the combat capabilities of the elite Russian unit.
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Following initial optimism, the prospect of ending the war in Ukraine via diplomacy appears to be at an impasse. Ambiguous discussions between Trump’s envoy and Putin have left European officials confused about Russia’s true intentions and the viability of a peace agreement. The Trump administration’s focus on territorial concessions and a lack of clear commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security has further complicated the situation. Trump, impatient for a resolution, is reportedly considering scaling back U.S. involvement while simultaneously blaming the war on his predecessor, potentially signaling a shifting approach to the conflict.
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Merz expressed doubts about the success of the U.S. peace efforts with Russia, emphasizing that resolving the conflict would be a lengthy diplomatic process. He prioritized supporting the Ukrainian army for long-term defense and stated that any German troop deployment would require Bundestag approval. Merz also defended the coalition’s decision to increase defense spending, which he claimed was essential to preserving NATO, citing concerns raised at the NATO summit in The Hague. Despite increased spending, Germany faces challenges in recruiting and training battle-ready soldiers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood