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According to a recent report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instructed troops in Ukraine to commit suicide with grenades if captured. This directive is reinforced through twice-weekly political indoctrination sessions that glorify self-sacrifice as an act of loyalty, using religious-style martyrdom narratives. Experts suggest this reflects a complete disregard for the soldiers’ lives, with North Korea already publicly acknowledging casualties. Despite reports of their presence in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian intelligence primarily indicates North Korean troops are involved in fortification work and engineering tasks, not frontline combat, in the Kursk region.
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Expanding educational ties, Russia has accepted 96 North Korean students to universities last year, including MGIMO, and enrolled 29 in geology programs this year. Collaboration extends across sectors like banking, energy, medicine, and geology, with Russia constructing a language center in North Korea. These actions reflect growing relations, further strengthened by North Korean military and cyber support, and increased tourism since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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Following a video message by Senator Mark Kelly, the Trump administration initiated a review of his comments, potentially leading to a court-martial. This action has drawn criticism from Republican senators, who defended Kelly and emphasized the military’s right to refuse illegal orders. The FBI has also launched an inquiry, adding to the controversy. Kelly, who is protected by the speech and debate clause, has stated he is not backing down and has publicly criticized the Defense Secretary for what he feels is blind loyalty to Trump.
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Following a video released by six Democratic members of Congress urging service members to refuse illegal orders, Donald Trump reacted with threats of sedition charges. This prompted an investigation into one of the lawmakers for “serious allegations of misconduct.” The Uniform Code of Military Justice mandates obedience to lawful orders but also imposes a duty to disobey those deemed unlawful, as supported by legal precedent and historical examples of service members refusing to participate in illegal wars. Expert testimony, citing the Nuremberg Charter, UN Charter, and UCMJ, has been used in court-martial cases to defend those who refused to comply with potentially unlawful orders.
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Representative Ruben Gallego strongly defended Senator Mark Kelly in a video message and on CNN, criticizing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and accusing the Trump administration of intimidation. Gallego’s remarks came after Kelly, along with other lawmakers, reminded military members of their right to refuse unlawful orders, a statement that drew condemnation from Trump. Gallego argued the Democrats were simply reiterating existing military code and that the current administration’s actions reflect an unprecedented politicization of the military, pointing to recent military actions outside of congressional authorization as examples. The representative claims this is an attempt to distract from the impending release of files on Jeffrey Epstein and the lack of a Republican healthcare plan.
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Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced plans to bolster defense spending with a $40 billion budget, citing “intensifying” threats from China, which views the island as its own territory. Lai stated that Xi Jinping’s regime is accelerating military preparations to take Taiwan by force, leading to a focus on achieving a “high level of combat preparedness” by 2027. This includes investment in equipment like missiles and drones, artificial intelligence, and increased cooperation with the United States. President Lai emphasized that any compromise in the face of aggression would only lead to war, and the greatest threat is giving up.
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Senator Mark Kelly responded to accusations from the Pentagon regarding a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders, asserting his statement was “non-controversial.” The Pentagon launched an investigation and hinted at recalling Kelly to active duty, citing a federal law that prohibits interference with the armed forces. Trump reacted strongly, accusing the senators of “seditious behavior,” which could carry a death penalty for active military. The controversy highlights the use of “sedition” and comes amid allegations from Democrats of the Pentagon issuing illegal orders, including sending personnel to the US-Mexico border and strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
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According to the AP News, the FBI has contacted Democratic lawmakers featured in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders,” signaling potential inquiry into the matter. This follows the Pentagon’s review of Sen. Mark Kelly for potential military law violations and President Trump’s accusations of sedition against the lawmakers. The lawmakers involved in the video, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, have received requests from the FBI for interviews, though the exact basis of the inquiry remains unclear. The video encouraged troops to reject illegal orders, a message which has ignited the current federal investigation.
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In response to perceived intimidation, Kelly recounted his military and NASA service, highlighting his dedication to the country. He emphasized his commitment to his job and the Constitution, expressing that he would not be silenced by those prioritizing power. This comes amid illegal orders from the Trump administration, including a recent ruling against the deployment of the National Guard. Kelly’s statement directly challenges the administration’s actions and perceived threats.
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John Q. Hosedrinker