Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the Russian people on Russia Day. The statement reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting the Russian people’s aspirations for a better future. Simultaneously, the U.S. reiterated its desire for constructive engagement with Russia to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. This engagement, it is hoped, will lead to improved U.S.-Russia relations.
In the past day, Russia suffered an additional 1,120 military personnel killed or wounded, bringing the total losses since February 24, 2022, to over 999,200. These staggering figures also include significant losses of heavy weaponry, such as tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. The reported losses encompass various military equipment categories, totaling tens of thousands of units. While the provided data is subject to confirmation, it paints a grim picture of the war’s impact on Russian forces.
Contrary to Western perceptions, Germany’s BND president, Bruno Kahl, asserts that the Russian populace largely supports Putin and the war in Ukraine, fueled by the Kremlin’s complete control over the propaganda machine. This pervasive propaganda frames NATO as the aggressor and the war as a righteous cause for Russia. While internal dissent may exist within the Russian power structure regarding strategic decisions, no significant opposition to Putin himself is currently evident. Kahl further suggests Russia aims to test NATO’s resolve and potentially escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The upcoming U.S. defense budget will feature reduced funding for military assistance to Ukraine, a decision reflecting the administration’s prioritization of a negotiated peace settlement. While the exact amount of the reduction remains undisclosed, this shift comes amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine and despite previous substantial U.S. aid totaling over $66 billion. This change in policy contrasts sharply with prior levels of support and follows recent controversies including the diversion of anti-drone missiles and a temporary halt to aid. The budget, however, prioritizes funding for U.S. military readiness.
On June 10th, 2025, a large-scale Russian attack using ballistic missiles and drones targeted Kyiv and Odesa, resulting in casualties and significant damage. In Kyiv, four people were injured, and historical sites like St. Sophia Cathedral were struck. Odesa suffered two fatalities and at least eight injuries, with infrastructure including a maternity hospital and film studio damaged. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the launched projectiles (213 drones and 7 missiles), but the attack underscored Russia’s continued aggression despite international peace efforts. This followed a similarly large-scale attack the previous day.
Contrary to public perception, Israel has provided military aid to Ukraine, according to Ambassador Michael Brodsky. This aid includes Patriot air defense systems, originally part of Israel’s arsenal, which were transferred to Ukraine. Brodsky clarified this transfer in an interview, countering claims of Israeli inaction in the conflict. Despite facing criticism domestically for his stance, the ambassador remains committed to open communication and hopes for a swift resolution to the war.
Russia claims its forces have entered the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time, a strategic advance that would significantly challenge Ukrainian defenses. This alleged incursion follows recent Russian gains in Sumy and near Lyman, putting further pressure on Ukrainian forces already stretched thin amidst stalled peace talks. Ukraine denies the Russian advance, while the extent of any potential incursion remains unverified. The conflicting claims highlight the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the continued pressure on Kyiv.
A Russian attack on Kharkiv on June 7th using guided aerial bombs resulted in one death and over 40 injuries. The attack targeted the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts, damaging civilian infrastructure including a children’s railway. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as pure terrorism, emphasizing its lack of strategic value and calling for increased international pressure on Russia to end the conflict. He further highlighted the urgent need for strengthened Ukrainian air defenses, specifically requesting a positive response from the US regarding air defense systems.
In a recent operation near the Ukraine-Russia border, six US Army Rangers from the 6th Ranger Regiment engaged a Russian group attempting to breach Ukrainian lines in Sumy Oblast. Following a refusal to surrender, despite offers of safety and aid, four Russian soldiers were killed, and one was captured. This action highlights ongoing Russian incursions in the region, as reported by the Ukrainian State Border Service. The Rangers’ operation underscores the intensity of fighting along the Kursk front.
Three people were killed and 49 wounded in a series of intense Russian air attacks on Ukraine. This follows a Kremlin warning of retaliation against Kyiv, a threat that, while anticipated, still resulted in significant casualties and damage. The scale of the attack, while arguably less devastating than it could have been, highlights the ongoing brutality of the conflict.
The attacks came after a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, communicated through US President Donald Trump. This indirect communication method raises serious questions about the role of the US in mediating or, perhaps inadvertently, facilitating such actions. It is concerning that despite calls for reduced violence, the message was relayed without explicit condemnation of the impending attacks, a silence that borders on complicity.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood