During a meeting in Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voiced unwavering support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reaffirming a mutual defense treaty with Russia. This support was conveyed to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, who delivered a message from President Putin. Discussions encompassed various geopolitical issues, including the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. The meeting follows South Korean intelligence suggesting North Korean troop deployments to aid Russia in the conflict.
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Trump says a “contract” is being drafted to “divide up” land in Ukraine, a claim that’s causing widespread confusion and outrage. The very notion of such a contract, presented as if the war is merely a business deal, a merger gone wrong, is deeply disturbing. It completely ignores the human cost and the fundamental principle of Ukrainian sovereignty. This isn’t a real estate transaction; it’s a brutal conflict with devastating consequences for millions of people.
The idea of Ukraine ceding land to Russia in exchange for anything – even a hypothetical cessation of hostilities – is far-fetched at best. The suggestion is deeply insulting to the Ukrainian people who are bravely defending their homeland against an unprovoked invasion.… Continue reading
The Associated Press documented 59 incidents across Europe since February 2022, where Western officials blame Russia or its allies for various acts of disruption. These range from cyberattacks and propaganda to sabotage, arson, and assassination plots, aiming to sow discord and undermine support for Ukraine. While proof of direct Russian involvement is often difficult to obtain, the Kremlin denies any such campaign. The alleged actions are viewed as a “staggeringly reckless campaign” intended to create political instability and weaken support for Ukraine amongst European citizens. Increased cooperation and intelligence sharing among European nations is deemed crucial to counter this threat.
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Russia’s use of risqué pictures to blackmail a teenage girl into carrying out a terrorist act is a horrifying revelation. The sheer depravity of manipulating a child to this extent underscores the lengths to which Russia will go to achieve its objectives. It’s a chilling illustration of the psychological warfare being waged, leveraging a child’s vulnerability and fear to commit violence.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Similar cases involving Ukrainian children, including two boys who were tricked into planting a bomb, have come to light. The ease with which Russia recruits and manipulates these children highlights a systematic campaign targeting vulnerable individuals.… Continue reading
A fire at a Heathrow Airport electrical substation caused widespread flight cancellations, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. Counter-terror police are investigating, and security expert Professor Anthony Glees suggests MI5 is also involved, exploring the possibility of Kremlin-sponsored sabotage. Glees highlights the unlikelihood of such a critical infrastructure failure being coincidental, given the number of substations in the UK. This incident follows warnings from intelligence officials about Russia’s use of “grey warfare” tactics to disrupt British life.
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Poland, citing escalating threats from Russia and Belarus, plans to resume domestic production of up to one million anti-personnel mines. This decision follows the country’s planned withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans such weapons. The production, involving both state and private contractors, aims to bolster Poland’s border defenses as part of its “Eastern Shield” project. The process, subject to government and parliamentary approval, is anticipated to take approximately six to nine months.
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Following renewed Russian shelling of Ukraine, President Macron declared that Russia’s actions definitively prove a lack of genuine commitment to peace. He reiterated France’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. Macron has previously emphasized the necessity of a verifiable and fully adhered-to ceasefire in the conflict.
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In response to Putin’s rejection of foreign troops in Ukraine, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy asserted that Russia holds no veto power over such deployments. This stance echoes prior statements by French President Macron. Lammy urged acceptance of a ceasefire proposal, emphasizing the need for a peace agreement that doesn’t grant Putin control over Ukraine’s security. Reports suggest UK Prime Minister Starmer has proposed a substantial Western peacekeeping force, contingent on US coordination.
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Gazprom reported a staggering net loss of 1.076 trillion rubles ($13.1 billion) in 2024, primarily due to the loss of the European market following the Ukraine invasion. This represents a significant decline from its 2023 loss of 629 billion rubles ($7.6 billion), despite a slight revenue increase. Contributing factors include decreased gas exports to the EU, falling subsidiary share prices, and increased tax burdens. The company is responding to its financial crisis with cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions.
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Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard affirmed the legitimacy of US criticism regarding European defense spending, highlighting Sweden’s doubled military investment over four years. She emphasized judging Russia’s actions, not words, in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, advocating for continued support of Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. Stenergard expressed hope for a just and lasting peace, stressing the need for increased pressure on Russia through sanctions and reduced oil price caps. Finally, she underscored the importance of a rules-based international order, particularly in the face of challenges posed by China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood