The Trump administration has reportedly removed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, enabling strikes inside Russia using US targeting data. This policy shift allows Ukraine to target Russian sites, with expectations of increased cross-border operations using Storm Shadows. While this move does not dramatically alter the battlefield, it restores flexibility lost by a previous Pentagon review system, enabling attacks on Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles. Despite this change, Ukraine continues to strike deep into Russia with domestically made drones and missiles.
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Argentina’s central bank has established a currency swap agreement with the United States, potentially reaching $20 billion, intended to stabilize the nation’s economy. This initiative is part of broader financial backing from the Trump administration, supporting President Javier Milei amid upcoming midterm elections and a volatile peso. Efforts are also underway to secure an additional $20 billion from private institutions to bolster Argentina’s struggling economy. Milei faces challenges, including fluctuating inflation and the peso’s instability, despite his initial measures to curb price increases.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the US of “murder” and violating Colombian sovereignty after a US strike on a boat in Colombian waters, resulting in the death of a fisherman. The incident, which occurred in September, allegedly involved a boat that was adrift with a distress signal up due to engine failure. Petro has demanded explanations from the US government, while former US President Donald Trump claims the strikes target drug-carrying vessels. This attack is at least the sixth US strike on ships in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks, drawing criticism from UN human rights experts who have labeled the attacks “extrajudicial executions”.
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The US has escalated its involvement in Venezuela, conducting lethal strikes on alleged cartel boats and authorizing covert CIA operations, possibly to remove President Maduro. This has fueled speculation about potential military action, including strikes on land, targeting either drug operations or the regime itself. While the administration has prioritized removing Maduro, it’s unclear if the US will pursue a full-scale intervention, although it’s clear the US is continuing a long-held policy of removing Maduro. These actions, framed through the lens of combating drugs and migration, are drawing concerns over the legality and potential consequences of regime change. The situation remains uncertain, with a range of possible outcomes from continued strikes to more direct intervention.
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China has responded to the US’s increased tariffs by declaring its readiness to “fight to the end” in the ongoing trade war. The announcement came after President Trump’s statement regarding an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods. This escalation in tensions demonstrates a firm stance from China, despite the potential economic consequences of a protracted trade dispute. The country’s response suggests a willingness to defend its economic interests, signaling a challenging period for international trade relations.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a second, productive phone call with former US President Donald Trump in as many days. Discussions focused on Ukraine’s defense, including air defense, resilience, long-range capabilities, and details related to the energy sector. The leaders agreed to continue the dialogue, with their teams preparing for further talks. Zelenskyy indicated that the United States is considering opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine.
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A judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group regarding Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” The judge determined that Lamar’s lyrics, which accused Drake of being a “certified pedophile,” were “nonactionable opinion” within the context of a rap battle. Drake’s spokesperson confirmed plans to appeal the ruling, while UMG expressed satisfaction with the outcome. The judge highlighted the ongoing feud as a “war of words” and noted that Drake’s earlier song, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” invited Lamar to make the very accusations featured in “Not Like Us.”
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The United States finalized a $20 billion currency swap line with Argentina’s central bank and directly purchased Argentine pesos on Thursday, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an effort to stabilize the nation’s struggling financial markets. This rare move, praised by Argentine President Javier Milei, was met with criticism from U.S. lawmakers and farmers who questioned the rationale behind the intervention, particularly given Argentina’s economic instability and dependence on international aid. The announcement triggered a rise in Argentina’s dollar-denominated bonds and a surge in the Buenos Aires stock market, providing a crucial reprieve for Milei as he heads into a midterm election that could determine the future of his free-market policies. Observers have questioned whether the intervention serves as a pre-election reward, as Bessent did not mention any economic conditions tied to the swap line.
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China has ceased its soybean purchases from the United States, escalating trade tensions and impacting American farmers. This action is a strategic move by Beijing, particularly as both countries anticipate potential discussions. The cessation has significantly reduced US soybean exports to China, prompting the Trump administration to consider a bailout for affected farmers. Furthermore, China views the import halt as leverage in trade negotiations, while the US perceives it as a means of coercion.
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Venezuela reported the detection of five US F-35 fighter jets near its Caribbean coast, an event the country’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, labeled a “provocation” and a threat to national security. The aircraft were reportedly detected 75 kilometers from the Venezuelan coastline, outside standard territorial waters, and were observed by both Venezuelan air defense systems and an international airliner. This incident follows the deployment of US warships in the Caribbean, which Venezuela views with suspicion, particularly given the recent US strikes against suspected drug traffickers. Padrino has warned the US, stating, “We are watching you, and I want you to know that this does not intimidate us.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker