Overnight on July 20, a fire erupted in Moscow Oblast amid reports of a Ukrainian drone attack targeting the Russian capital. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that at least 21 drones were downed since the previous evening, with emergency crews responding to the scene. Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate a fire in Zelenograd, accompanied by videos of burning vehicles near a residential building, though no information on casualties or damage extent is available. These attacks, the fourth consecutive night of such incidents, have prompted temporary restrictions at Moscow’s airports and are part of an ongoing shift in the conflict.
Read More
Germany and the United Kingdom have solidified their alliance through a new defense pact, the “Kensington Treaty,” committing mutual aid in case of attack, and fostering greater defense integration. This agreement also hints at increased long-range weapon support for Ukraine, prompting renewed warnings from Russia of potential military strikes on European targets. The treaty, encompassing 17 joint projects, includes the development of advanced weaponry and cooperation on submarine threats, unmanned aerial systems, and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. It further promotes joint military-industrial exports and builds upon the trend of rapid European defense integration in light of the war in Ukraine.
Read More
In a recent move, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order withdrawing Moscow from a military technical cooperation agreement with Germany, citing Germany’s “hostile” policies as the reason. The agreement, initially signed in 1996, has become irrelevant amid strained relations stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions. As a result of these geopolitical shifts, Russia has shifted its focus towards partnerships with countries like North Korea and Iran, with officials reaffirming support and discussing cooperation on various fronts. Furthermore, Russia has threatened to provide advanced weapons to regions that could strike Western targets in response to Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied arms.
Read More
The United States will expedite the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by sending its next system to Germany, as Berlin prepares to ship two of its own Patriot batteries to Kyiv. This decision follows a delay in expected deliveries to Switzerland and highlights the U.S. State Department’s prioritization of Ukraine’s defense. The move is part of a new initiative involving NATO and EU members purchasing U.S.-made arms for Ukraine, with the U.S. negotiating individual deals for both offensive and defensive weapons. While the exact delivery date of the German-provided Patriots to Ukraine is unknown, the increased focus on this type of defense comes amidst a dire need, as Russia escalates aerial attacks.
Read More
Derek Huffman, an American father who relocated his family to Russia to escape LGBTQ+ influences, is reportedly being deployed to the front lines in Ukraine after being promised a non-combat role. His wife, DeAnna, shared that Huffman, lacking military experience and with limited training in Russian, feels unprepared and misled by the recruiters. Huffman had hoped to gain Russian citizenship and earn the respect of his new countrymen through military service, however, he hasn’t received any payment after a month of service. The couple moved to Russia to escape “liberal gender norms” and have shown a clear admiration for Russia.
Read More
On the night of July 19, Moscow was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones for the third consecutive night, as reported by Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. Russian air defense units intercepted 13 drones in under two hours, although no casualties or damage have been reported. The alleged attack follows similar strikes on July 17 and 18, impacting Moscow and surrounding areas. These recent events occur amid reports of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings against attacks on Moscow, as well as offering Russia a deadline to make a peace deal.
Read More
Recent reports, including one in Bild, indicate that NATO’s new commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, believes the US and Europe have only a limited timeframe, potentially 2.5 years, to prepare for a potential war against China and Russia. Grynkewich suggests that a crisis is possible as early as 2027. The general posits that Xi Jinping could instigate a Russian attack on NATO members, likely in the Baltics, to distract the US and NATO while China moves on Taiwan. Similar concerns have been echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also sees Russia as a potential tool for China’s strategic goals.
Read More
NATO’s new deterrence plan, designed to bolster ground-based capabilities and enhance interoperability, has drawn sharp criticism from Russian officials. The plan, referred to as the “Eastern Flank Deterrence Line,” aims to counter the threat posed by Russia, specifically in the Baltic region, with a focus on the vulnerable Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Russian officials have warned that any attack on Kaliningrad would be considered an attack on Russia, potentially invoking its nuclear doctrine. These warnings came in response to statements by a U.S. general regarding NATO’s ability to neutralize Kaliningrad “in a timeframe that is unheard of,” highlighting the strategic importance of the Suwalki Corridor, the only direct land route connecting Kaliningrad to Belarus.
Read More
North Korea has abruptly banned foreign tourists from its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma tourist complex, a project hailed by leader Kim Jong Un. The ban’s announcement, made without specifying a reason or duration, came shortly after a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had expressed intentions to boost Russian tourism to the site. Experts suggest the decision may stem from a Russian media report that hinted at the mobilization of North Koreans for tourism rather than actual visitors, or from issues with attracting Russian tourists due to distance and cost. Despite the ban, which is unlikely to be permanent, the country faces financial pressures to open the complex to foreign tourists, given the significant investment and its importance in tourism development.
Read More
Investigative journalists have identified Dr. Ilya Sorokin as the alleged perpetrator of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war at Penal Colony No. 10 in Mordovia, Russia. Sorokin, nicknamed “Dr. Evil,” reportedly subjected detainees to beatings, stun gun use, humiliation, and denied medical care. These prisoners endured grueling conditions, including forced standing for extended periods, constant exposure to Russian patriotic songs, and coerced recitations of the Russian national anthem, with at least 177 soldiers experiencing severe physical and psychological abuse. Sadly, at least four prisoners died during this period.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker