In April 2020, Ukraine’s navy successfully used a modified R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile in a long-range strike against a Russian factory in Bryansk, targeting a facility specializing in electrical parts for military and aerospace components. The strike, conducted over a range of 240 km, suggests the use of the “Long Neptune” version, initially designed for naval targets but modified to hit land targets with an extended range. This follows a previous strike on an oil refinery in March and reflects Ukraine’s efforts to expand its homegrown long-range arsenal, reducing reliance on Western-provided weapons. The Neptune missile, based on the Soviet Kh-35 and manufactured by Luch Design Bureau, was revealed to have a significantly extended range compared to its original capabilities.
Read More
In a significant breakthrough, France’s WEST tokamak achieved a sustained plasma for over 22 minutes, a crucial milestone for future nuclear fusion power plants. This surpasses the previous record held by China’s EAST, demonstrating improved operational stability. The achievement showcases researchers’ ability to maintain tough operating conditions without machine breakdown and highlights the importance of long, stable plasma operation. This progress, alongside other achievements like the JET facility’s energy output record, contributes to the development of reliable fusion energy. This research informs the operation of larger devices like ITER, advancing the technology from laboratory experiments to plant-relevant scenarios, while also prioritizing component durability and controlled fuel and exhaust management for safer operation.
Read More
The European Commission, under pressure from the U.S. President, will propose an accelerated phase-out of Russian energy purchases, going beyond its initial plan to cease purchases by 2027. This announcement followed a phone call focused on increasing economic pressure on Russia. The Commission is also preparing to present a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s crypto, banks, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been pushing for tougher sanctions, including tariffs on China and India, the leading buyers of Russian oil, in an attempt to push Russia to the negotiating table.
Read More
China has significantly increased its imports of sanctioned Russian natural gas, solidifying energy ties with Moscow despite U.S. sanctions. A sanctioned Russian tanker, the Zarya, was observed delivering its third cargo from the Arctic LNG 2 project to a terminal in southern China. This development is likely to test U.S. resolve, as record trade flows are helping the Russian economy. While the Biden administration has blacklisted the Arctic LNG 2 project, China has avoided penalties for purchasing Russian energy.
Read More
Zip codes are a crucial component of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) delivery system. They are a five-digit or nine-digit code that identifies a specific geographic delivery area within the United States and its territories. Understanding these codes helps efficiently sort and deliver mail, ensuring it reaches its intended destination accurately. Furthermore, each state and territory has designated zip codes.
Read More
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has authorized the allocation of $2 million from the presidential reserve fund to the Energy Ministry for the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The funds will be used to procure and deliver Azerbaijani-made electrical equipment, a response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Azerbaijani-linked facilities. Following these attacks, including strikes on a SOCAR depot and a gas distribution station, President Zelensky and Aliyev discussed energy cooperation. While maintaining a policy of not supplying lethal aid, Azerbaijan has previously offered substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Read More
India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say, and honestly, it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone with a grasp of global economics. The simple fact is, a dollar bill, or in this case a barrel of oil, doesn’t just sit around gathering dust. The underlying reality of the situation is that India is able to secure much needed oil at a lower market price, which essentially removes some demand from the overall global supply of oil.
The narrative around Russian oil has been pretty consistent. It’s always been available for sale, though sometimes at a lower price point.… Continue reading
Looking for a hotel? Significant savings are available, with deals offering up to 50% off. To access these discounts, simply sign up for free. Don’t miss the opportunity to save on your next stay.
Read More
In June 2025, Ukraine significantly increased its electricity exports by 150%, reaching over 237,000 megawatt-hours, returning to levels seen before Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure. This surge marks the first time since October 2023 that Ukraine has exported more electricity than it imported, with Hungary being the primary recipient. Despite this progress, Russian attacks continue to target Ukrainian energy facilities, as exemplified by the recent strike in Kherson Oblast, highlighting ongoing challenges in the face of conflict.
Read More
Ukrainian President Zelensky publicly confirmed Western restrictions on targeting Russian energy infrastructure, despite Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. This confirmation, reinforced by Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko, reveals pressure on Kyiv to avoid destabilizing global energy markets. Ukraine paused strikes on Russian refineries for 45 days before the U.S. election, suggesting a politically motivated compromise. This highlights a key tension within the alliance: balancing support for Ukraine’s self-defense with managing potential global economic repercussions of escalation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood