Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe asserted that Donald Trump’s actions raise serious questions about his relationship with Russia, though not necessarily as a formally recruited asset. McCabe cited Trump’s public admiration for Vladimir Putin, questionable approach to the Ukraine conflict, and willingness to negotiate with Russia even at the expense of US interests as significant concerns. These behaviors, McCabe argued, warrant further investigation into potential compromises or undue influence from Russia. The lack of investigation into pro-Trump influencers spreading pro-Russia narratives further fuels such concerns.
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Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli stated that Switzerland could contribute approximately 200 soldiers to a UN peacekeeping mission on the Ukrainian-Russian border within a year, contingent upon a ceasefire and the consent of both nations. This peacekeeping role, distinct from peace enforcement, would prioritize logistics and medical support, with weapon use restricted to self-defense. The deployment would require government and parliamentary approval, mirroring past Swiss involvement in Kosovo. However, Süssli also cautioned about potential Russian escalation in 2027, a concern heightened by delayed deliveries of advanced military equipment.
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Driven by concerns over waning U.S. support and escalating tensions, the EU is exploring using frozen Russian central bank assets—approximately $280 billion—to aid Ukraine. Proposals include using these assets as collateral for an International Claims Commission to assess damages, potentially leading to confiscation if Russia refuses payment, or directly allocating them to Ukrainian energy infrastructure reconstruction. While some EU members express legal and economic reservations, the European Commission is initiating negotiations for the Claims Commission on March 24th. This initiative supplements the G7’s pledge to use profits from frozen assets for a Ukrainian loan.
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Ukraine’s effective use of domestically produced drones has become pivotal in its defense against Russia, accounting for a majority of Russian battlefield losses, particularly when integrated with artillery. This success has led to a massive increase in drone production, from thousands in 2022 to a projected four million annually. The conflict is increasingly characterized as a “drone war,” with continuous innovation driven by private companies adapting to evolving battlefield needs. Ukraine’s drone advancements are influencing global warfare perceptions and providing valuable lessons for allies, even as Russia develops its own drone capabilities.
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On February 20, 2025, Ukrainian Security Service units, in coordination with other defense forces, successfully struck the Novovelichkovskaya oil pumping station in Russia’s Krasnodar territory, a key facility supporting the Russian occupation forces. The station services the Tikhoretsk – Novorossiysk-2 pipeline. Russian forces responded with ground-based air defenses and helicopters. Further assessment of the strike’s effectiveness is underway, but future operations targeting similar strategic facilities are planned.
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NATO plans a €21 billion pipeline network to rapidly supply jet fuel to eastern European fighter jets, addressing Cold War-era infrastructure deficiencies that leave eastern deployments vulnerable. This project, expected to finish by 2035, is driven by concerns over fuel security in the event of conflict with Russia. The initiative follows reports of Russian demands for NATO troop withdrawals from Eastern Europe, and underscores anxieties about potential compromises by the US regarding its support for Ukraine. The project aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and its ability to respond effectively to future threats.
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Alnur Mussayev, a former KGB officer, claims that Donald Trump was recruited as a Soviet asset in 1987. This assertion, supported by similar accounts from other former KGB officers like Yuri Shvets, alleges a long-term cultivation of Trump due to his perceived recruitability. These claims suggest the existence of kompromat on Trump, explaining his perceived leniency towards Russia and Putin. The accusations detail a process spanning decades, beginning with surveillance and culminating in alleged KGB influence during Trump’s rise to power.
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Following initial comments downplaying Russia’s role in the conflict, President Trump acknowledged Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attributing blame to both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for the situation. He subsequently predicted an imminent minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, despite Zelenskyy’s earlier rejection of a proposed deal. This shift in tone, coupled with Trump’s continued criticism of Zelenskyy, has caused concern among European officials regarding potential concessions to Russia. International leaders, including Poland’s President Duda, are urging continued cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.
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Following a recent phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and a just peace. Starmer emphasized Ukraine’s crucial role in any peace negotiations, a stance he will discuss with President Trump during an upcoming visit to Washington D.C. This follows Trump’s controversial moves to re-engage with Russia and downplay Ukraine’s role in peace talks, prompting a flurry of diplomatic activity among European leaders. The discussions underscore the significant geopolitical shift and anxieties surrounding the potential exclusion of Ukraine from future negotiations.
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In a recent Fox News Radio interview, Donald Trump acknowledged Russia’s initiation of the full-scale war in Ukraine, contradicting his earlier statements blaming Ukraine. While admitting Russia’s aggression, he criticized both President Zelensky and President Biden for failing to prevent the invasion, further asserting Zelensky’s unimportance to future peace negotiations. This statement follows Trump’s recent escalation of hostile rhetoric towards Zelensky, including accusations of dictatorial behavior and shared responsibility for the conflict. The omission of Ukrainian representatives from recent US-Russia talks further underscores this critical stance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker