Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that military allies supporting Ukraine should prepare for potential troop deployment within the country. Speaking at a virtual meeting of 31 supporting nations, Nausėda emphasized Lithuania’s willingness to provide troops and training facilities for the allied forces. He also insisted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s involvement in future peace discussions and rejected the idea of pressuring Kyiv to cede territory. This call to action followed a meeting where leaders discussed the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
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The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, over a month after their deployment on June 9th during protests against the administration’s immigration policies. The Marines, along with the National Guard, were stationed at federal buildings, and their presence drew criticism from local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, who called for the removal of all troops. This decision follows an earlier order to reduce the number of National Guard troops. Governor Gavin Newsom, who had sued the federal government over the deployment, welcomed the news but reiterated his call for the remaining National Guard troops to be withdrawn.
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In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass criticized the federal deployment of National Guard troops, stating that most were underutilized and spent their time “playing video games”. Approximately 4,000 guardsmen were deployed by President Trump in response to protests against immigration enforcement, though Bass claimed only a small fraction were actually utilized. The Mayor has called the deployment a political stunt and a misuse of taxpayer dollars, with half of the troops recently released but many still present. Legal challenges to the deployment’s legality, due to exceeding presidential authority, are still ongoing.
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US military to remove 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, a move that sparks a mix of reactions, from relief to cynicism. The initial deployment, a matter of contention from the start, is now winding down, leaving many to question the purpose and effectiveness of the whole operation. Was it a genuine attempt to quell unrest, or was there another agenda at play?
The fact that these troops, primarily engaged in what appeared to be passive observation, are returning home is not surprising to many. Some commentators highlight the lack of clear objectives and the perception that the troops were essentially “standing around” while seemingly doing nothing productive.… Continue reading
According to recent reports, North Korea is significantly increasing its troop deployment to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, potentially tripling its current force. This assessment, based on Ukrainian intelligence, suggests that an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops will be sent to reinforce the existing 11,000 deployed since last year. Evidence such as fake Russian identity documents issued to North Korean troops and the movement of transport vessels and cargo planes near the border suggest the continuation of these deployments. Experts believe the troop numbers may be slightly lower than the Ukrainian estimate, but the growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow through a recent military pact suggest continued support.
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According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea is preparing to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to Russia, effectively tripling its current commitment. Satellite imagery reveals ongoing activity at Russian ports and North Korean airports consistent with troop deployments. The troops are likely to be integrated into Russian combat units, potentially for offensive operations in Russian-occupied Ukraine. This follows an earlier deployment of 11,000 troops, with indications of increasing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, including the supply of equipment and training manuals.
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Kim Jong Un held a public commemoration for North Korean troops who died fighting in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, likely preparing the population for further deployments. This commemoration occurred at a gala performance, featuring a video of Kim mourning soldiers and draping coffins with the national flag. The event marked the first anniversary of the mutual defense pact between North Korea and Russia, a pact that has seen significant military and munitions exchanges. Experts believe this display aims to garner support for deployments while bracing the public for future involvement, as evidenced by North Korea’s deployment of approximately 15,000 troops and plans for further military personnel.
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Seven hundred troops have been deployed to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, providing logistical and administrative aid but not participating in law enforcement. This deployment follows a recent surge in ICE raids across these states, resulting in numerous arrests and deportations. The move comes amidst rising immigration enforcement spending, despite budget concerns and opposition from some, including Elon Musk. These actions are part of the Trump administration’s broader anti-immigration agenda.
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Representative Jake Auchincloss criticizes the President’s deployment of 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines to Los Angeles as both unnecessary and illegal, violating posse comitatus. This action forces Marines trained for combat against foreign enemies to undertake ill-suited urban policing, requiring them to abandon years of training for inadequate preparation. The deployment demoralizes the troops and places young officers in an untenable position, forcing them to choose between obeying an unlawful order and their constitutional oath. The situation is further compounded by the availability of better-suited law enforcement resources to handle the situation.
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Following ICE raids in Los Angeles, protests erupted, prompting President Trump to illegally federalize the National Guard and deploy 2,000 Marines, despite Governor Newsom’s objection and the absence of any rebellion. This action, deemed unlawful by legal experts and military leaders, risks escalating the situation due to the Marines’ lack of crowd-control training. Newsom subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment, while the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act further heightens concerns about the use of the military against civilians. This unprecedented mobilization presents a significant legal and ethical dilemma for service members.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood