Following a rejected proposal for a full ceasefire and continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and energy facilities, President Zelenskyy urged sustained international pressure on Russia. This pressure should manifest as continued sanctions, unwavering aid to Ukraine, and strengthened alliances. Zelenskyy asserts that only a verifiable cessation of attacks on civilian targets will signal a genuine commitment to peace. This follows a previous, ultimately broken, agreement by Putin for a 30-day ceasefire.
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A recent daily Crossword puzzle attracted 33,571 players. The game’s popularity highlights its continued appeal. Participants competed for the fastest completion time. This data provides a benchmark for future players to compare their performance against.
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Ukraine’s newly deployed Neptune cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 600 miles, has successfully struck targets deep within Russia, including an oil refinery near President Putin’s residence. This combat-proven missile, years in development, places Moscow within its striking distance. The successful deployment comes amidst tense ceasefire negotiations involving the U.S., and despite Russia’s rejection of the proposed terms, the development significantly alters the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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The Trump administration’s decision to defund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America has been met with quiet satisfaction in Moscow. High-ranking Russian officials view the move as beneficial, as these outlets, originally designed to counter Soviet propaganda, had recently undermined Kremlin narratives, particularly in the post-Soviet space. While publicly downplaying the event, Kremlin officials privately celebrated the weakening of these “enemy voices,” highlighting the outlets’ impactful reporting which challenged Moscow’s wartime censorship and propaganda efforts.
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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto vehemently opposed the EU’s proposed €20 billion aid package for Ukraine, citing objections to using Hungarian taxpayer money for arms shipments. He instead advocated for peace negotiations, aligning with President Trump’s push for a swift settlement. This opposition follows a pattern of Hungarian obstruction to sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine. The EU, while recently extending sanctions against Russia, is increasingly concerned by Hungary’s actions undermining its unified stance on the conflict.
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The Trump administration is exploring the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, potentially urging UN agreement, as part of a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine. This consideration, alongside discussions of asset division, is among numerous options being weighed to achieve a ceasefire. While no final decisions have been made, the possibility reflects a willingness to align with Russia’s position on Crimea. The White House, however, has denied making any commitments regarding the matter.
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Following a weekend phone call, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the June G7 summit in Alberta. This invitation follows an uncertain G7 approach to the war in Ukraine, marked by initial hesitation from the US administration regarding strong condemnations of Russia. Zelensky accepted the invitation, thanking Canada for its ongoing support and highlighting the need for increased pressure on Moscow. The summit, hosted by Canada, will take place amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding a potential ceasefire.
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Ukraine has reportedly disrupted Russian glide bomb control systems, significantly impacting their battlefield effectiveness. This success, likely achieved through satellite jamming, forces Russia to expend more munitions and sorties for each strike. While Russia possesses countermeasures, the use of unencrypted receivers by many Russian soldiers may explain their vulnerability. This development, coupled with Ukraine’s growing air power from Western allies, could shift the battlefield balance, although the extent depends on continued Western support and access to advanced technologies.
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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a stark warning against NATO involvement in Ukraine. He denounced proposals by French and British leaders for NATO peacekeeping forces, asserting that such deployment would constitute a declaration of war against Russia. Medvedev’s threat follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric since the start of the Ukraine conflict, including previous pronouncements regarding nuclear weapons. He specifically targeted UK Prime Minister Starmer’s suggestion of a coalition to secure a ceasefire, framing the proposal as support for “neo-Nazis” in Kyiv. This latest threat underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the conflict.
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In a statement marking the anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Türkiye reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, explicitly rejecting the illegal 2014 annexation as a violation of international law. Ankara highlighted its ongoing monitoring of the situation in Crimea, particularly concerning the plight of the Crimean Tatars, and its commitment to keeping this issue before the international community. This stance underscores Türkiye’s consistent opposition to Russia’s actions in Crimea, which began with the seizure of key administrative buildings and culminated in a widely condemned referendum and annexation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker