Reports from Ukraine reveal brutal mistreatment of Russian soldiers, with videos surfacing that show individuals tied to trees, abused, and subjected to cruel punishments, often for desertion. These actions are sometimes linked to the Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga, suggesting a perceived sacrifice. Radio intercepts and testimonies from Ukrainian drone commanders confirm these practices, highlighting a culture of fear and desperation within the Russian army. As a result, many soldiers are choosing to desert, with estimates placing the number in the tens of thousands, driven by poor treatment, low morale, and a lack of belief in the war.
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President Trump announced a stricter deadline for Russian President Putin to negotiate a truce with Ukraine. This ultimatum of ten to twelve days was delivered during discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump stated that failure to meet this deadline would result in potential economic consequences for Russia. The move intensifies pressure on Moscow to end the ongoing conflict.
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Russia accuses Kyiv and the West of rejecting diplomacy to solve conflict in Ukraine. This accusation feels like a textbook example of “look what you made me do” abuser energy. It’s a classic move: the aggressor claiming victimhood, as if the West and Ukraine are somehow the obstacles to peace. But what does Russian “diplomacy” actually look like in this scenario? It’s not about compromise or mutual understanding. It’s about Ukraine disarming itself, accepting a Russian puppet government, and allowing no foreign arms or soldiers within its borders. It also includes acknowledging all captured territory as rightfully Russian and lifting all sanctions.… Continue reading
Following a directive from President Vladimir Putin, Russia is developing new restrictions on foreign messaging apps and software originating from “unfriendly countries.” This initiative aims to lessen Russia’s reliance on technologies from nations perceived as hostile. WhatsApp, owned by the Meta organization, is considered a likely target for blocking, having been declared an “extremist organization” in 2022. Meanwhile, Russian officials have been mandated to use Max, a messenger app with extensive surveillance capabilities that automatically transmits user data to servers linked to the Russian social network VK.
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Zelenskyy suggested that Russian attacks have decreased significantly since the arrival of Keith Kellogg, the US Special Envoy for Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, there were no massive bombings for two nights following Kellogg’s arrival, which some Ukrainians found noteworthy. This observation led Zelenskyy to believe that Putin is intimidated by the presence of the US, as the attacks seem to have ceased when Americans were present. He humorously suggested that Kellogg should remain in Ukraine and that more Americans should visit.
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President Trump’s recent shift in stance against Vladimir Putin has ignited cautious optimism, with promises of increased military aid and the potential imposition of tariffs on Russian goods. However, many supporters and experts express skepticism, questioning the durability of this change and the potential for Trump to reverse course. Concerns persist regarding the delayed implementation of sanctions and the lack of concrete details regarding the weapons deal, leaving many to wonder about the true extent of the U.S. commitment. Ultimately, the lasting impact of this shift will depend on the details of the deal and whether the president maintains his newfound direction.
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Yulia Navalnaya is leading calls for Italy to cancel a performance by conductor Valery Gergiev, a known Putin ally, at a music festival. Gergiev, who has faced repercussions for refusing to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, is slated to perform for the first time in Europe since the war began. Navalnaya argues that the concert is a gift to Putin, as Gergiev has been a long-time supporter and promoter of his policies. Despite international sanctions, Italian officials, particularly the president of the Campania region, have endorsed the invitation, citing the separation of culture and politics.
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Russia has rejected President Trump’s ultimatum for a ceasefire in Ukraine, calling the demands unacceptable. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia prioritizes negotiations but will continue the war until its goals are met. The Kremlin views Trump’s announcement as serious, while former President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the remarks as a theatrical ultimatum. Trump expressed frustration with Putin, particularly regarding strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, and announced further U.S. arms sales to NATO allies, with the understanding that these would then be sent to Ukraine.
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Daniel Martindale, a U.S. citizen who aided the Kremlin in targeting Ukrainian troops, has been granted Russian citizenship and received a passport in Moscow. After being spirited out of eastern Ukraine by Russian special forces, Martindale was presented with the documents by Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the Donetsk region. Pushilin stated that information Martindale shared aided Russian planning to seize a Ukrainian town. Martindale, who had previously lived in Russia and entered Ukraine just days before the invasion, expressed his belief that Russia is his home and family.
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Trump to supply missiles to Ukraine, gives Russia a 50-day ultimatum. Okay, so let’s break this down, shall we? The news is swirling around the idea that Trump, if he were to somehow regain power, plans to send missiles to Ukraine and has slapped a 50-day deadline on Russia to make a deal. It’s the headline grabber, but the reactions are… well, let’s just say they’re varied and, let’s be honest, pretty skeptical.
The thing is, Trump’s reputation for follow-through is, shall we say, not the strongest. His attention span? People are joking about it being measured in hours, not days.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood