Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski believes that a new Cold War-style arms race could lead to the collapse of Vladimir Putin’s regime. Sikorski drew parallels between Putin and Leonid Brezhnev, noting that Russia is repeating the USSR’s mistake of excessive military spending. The Polish diplomat highlighted that Putin’s costly war in Ukraine has prompted the West to increase defense spending, which, combined with Russia’s financial strain, could lead to the same fate as the Soviet Union. This comes as European military spending has significantly increased, driving global growth in military expenditure.
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Putin will not go to the BRICS summit in Brazil due to the ICC arrest warrant, according to a Kremlin aide, and this is a development that’s clearly set off a ripple effect of speculation and, let’s be honest, a bit of gloating. It seems the international warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has put a serious damper on his travel plans. Who would have guessed, right? It’s fascinating to see how the very idea of being apprehended is enough to keep him grounded.
And that, of course, immediately begs the question: what’s the *real* reason? While the official word is the ICC warrant, you can’t help but wonder if there are other factors at play.… Continue reading
In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Vladimir Putin might attack a NATO country within five years to test the alliance. Zelenskyy viewed plans for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 as slow, warning that Putin could have a new army ready by 2030. He also highlighted the potential for reduced aid to Ukraine due to Middle East tensions and noted that Russia is still able to access components for missiles from countries including the UK. While acknowledging that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions aren’t possible currently, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for negotiations, although he avoided addressing potential land concessions.
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Following air attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow and pledged support to Iran. Putin did not specify the nature of this support, while the Kremlin suggested it would depend on Iran’s needs. Highlighting the established alliance between the two nations, Putin condemned the attacks as unprovoked aggression and affirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people. Furthermore, Putin also discussed the Middle East crisis with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani.
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President Putin cited Russia’s close ties with Israel’s large Russian-speaking population as a factor influencing its level of support for Iran in the ongoing conflict. He highlighted existing nuclear energy cooperation with Iran as sufficient support, rejecting claims of insufficient assistance. Conversely, Ukrainian President Zelensky alleged that Russia deceptively included a Russian mercenary with Israeli citizenship among the bodies repatriated to Ukraine. This exchange of prisoners and bodies, part of a larger agreement, included at least 1,200 prisoners from each side. Despite this exchange, a ceasefire remains elusive due to Russia’s stringent demands and the ongoing military momentum.
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In his June 20th address, President Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling Russian attacks in Sumy Oblast, thwarting what he described as “insane” Russian plans. Russia’s stated refusal of a ceasefire, reiterated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, underscores their continued aggression. Putin’s claims of establishing a buffer zone and potential Sumy capture, along with renewed “dirty bomb” allegations, highlight Russia’s escalating actions. Zelenskyy called for increased international pressure to weaken the Russian economy and further hinder their war effort.
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At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin asserted that all of Ukraine belongs to Russia, basing this claim on the false premise of shared Russian and Ukrainian identity. This statement, condemned by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha as cynical and dismissive of peace efforts, further fueled concerns about Russia’s escalating territorial ambitions. Putin implied intentions to occupy more Ukrainian regions beyond those already illegally claimed, including potentially Sumy Oblast. Sybiha countered with accusations of mass murder and urged increased Western support for Ukraine.
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A Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building, resulting in 23 deaths and numerous injuries, prompted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to call for increased international pressure on Moscow to cease hostilities. This attack, part of a larger barrage involving hundreds of drones and missiles, underscores Russia’s rejection of ceasefire proposals despite Putin’s claims of openness to talks. While a prisoner exchange occurred, Ukraine asserts that Russia continues to escalate the conflict, rejecting prior peace initiatives. The ongoing attacks highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
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Following a phone call with Vladimir Putin on June 14th, Donald Trump expressed openness to Putin mediating between Israel and Iran, citing Putin’s willingness to do so. Trump also acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the conflict and stated he is “doing a lot” to facilitate peace. While leaving the specifics undefined, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of US intervention. Iran’s refusal to engage with the US due to US support for Israel remains a significant obstacle.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood