According to sources, the U.S. and Russia are reportedly negotiating a deal to solidify Moscow’s control over occupied Ukrainian territories and end the war, with a potential meeting between Trump and Putin on the horizon. The proposed agreement would freeze the conflict, paving the way for a ceasefire and peace talks, although Putin is reportedly demanding Ukraine cede Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea. While the Kremlin seeks recognition of its control over occupied territories, and a possible cessation of offensive operations in some regions, the deal’s terms are fluid, and securing support from Ukraine and its allies remains a challenge.
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In a surprising move, China has publicly supported India amidst escalating US pressure regarding its Russian oil imports. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in India endorsed an editorial from The Hindu which criticized the United States’ and European countries’ stance, emphasizing India’s unwavering sovereignty. This diplomatic alignment occurs as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatens punitive tariffs on Indian goods due to its continued trade with Russia. This backing could signal a shift in geopolitical dynamics, especially with Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to China, potentially opening a new chapter in relations.
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In response to US actions, Russia has criticized the imposition of sanctions and tariffs, labeling them a “neocolonial agenda” driven by Washington’s inability to accept a multipolar world. Maria Zakharova, a Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, stated that these measures constitute “politically motivated economic pressure” against nations pursuing an independent path. Russia asserts that these actions contravene free trade principles and are supported by BRICS nations, vowing to deepen cooperation to resist these sanctions. The Russian response followed Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on India, accusing them of selling Russian oil for profit and supporting the war in Ukraine.
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India has responded to former US President Donald Trump’s threat to increase tariffs on Indian goods due to continued oil imports from Russia, deeming it “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s energy strategy, citing market conditions as the reason for crude oil purchases from Russia. The MEA also highlighted that other countries, including the US and EU, continue trade with Russia, while pointing out the disparity. India emphasized that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security while maintaining a commitment to trade negotiations.
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Senior White House advisor Stephen Miller criticized India for “financing” Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to import oil, stating that India’s purchases are now comparable to China’s. These remarks, made on Fox News, follow the implementation of a 25% tariff on Indian goods and signal a further hardening of Washington’s stance. Despite tariff threats, India intends to continue its Russian oil purchases, as its government sources indicate. Trump has even threatened 100% tariffs on imports from countries that maintain energy ties with Russia, further escalating the friction.
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The French government is closely monitoring the US plan to destroy nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives, primarily long-acting methods like IUDs and implants, originally intended for women in Africa through USAID programs. The US State Department confirmed a preliminary decision to destroy these contraceptives, purchased under Biden-era contracts, with incineration possibly occurring in France. French officials and rights groups are expressing strong opposition, with petitions and calls for presidential intervention to prevent what is perceived as a violation of women’s rights and a waste of resources. Belgium is also seeking a solution, and offers from organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices and IPPF to repurpose the contraceptives were rejected.
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A recent report from Civicus has placed the United States on a watchlist, expressing urgent concern over the state of its civic society, citing “sustained attacks on civic freedoms.” The report highlights issues such as the use of military force against protestors, growing restrictions on journalists and civil society organizations, and the targeting of anti-war advocates, particularly those expressing solidarity with Palestinian rights. Civicus assigned the US a “narrowed” rating, indicating that while freedoms of association, assembly, and expression are still allowed, violations do occur, including harassment and excessive force against protestors. Secretary General Mandeep Tiwana expressed concern over the situation, pointing to actions taken by the Trump administration as evidence of a dangerous trend toward authoritarianism.
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The United States will expedite the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by sending its next system to Germany, as Berlin prepares to ship two of its own Patriot batteries to Kyiv. This decision follows a delay in expected deliveries to Switzerland and highlights the U.S. State Department’s prioritization of Ukraine’s defense. The move is part of a new initiative involving NATO and EU members purchasing U.S.-made arms for Ukraine, with the U.S. negotiating individual deals for both offensive and defensive weapons. While the exact delivery date of the German-provided Patriots to Ukraine is unknown, the increased focus on this type of defense comes amidst a dire need, as Russia escalates aerial attacks.
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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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The subject of the US sharing the burden of arming Ukraine is complex, to say the least, and it’s sparking a lot of debate, especially considering the EU’s recent comments on the matter. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that there’s a bit of a historical imbalance here, and that’s where a lot of the frustration stems from. For decades, the US has been gently, and sometimes not so gently, nudging its European allies to increase their defense spending. Presidents from Kennedy to Obama have consistently echoed this call, citing the need for a more balanced contribution within NATO and the wider collective security framework.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood