A Levada Center poll reveals a record high of 64% of Russian citizens now favor peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, a 6% increase since March. Support for continuing the war has concurrently decreased to 28%. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger people, women, and those critical of the government. However, significant portions of the population still blame Ukraine, the U.S., and European countries for obstructing peace negotiations.
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In Russian-occupied Ukraine, homophobia and transphobia fuel widespread violence and war crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals. Organizations like Nash Svit and Projektor document these abuses, reporting a decrease in documented war crimes in recent years due to shifting frontlines and difficulties accessing information. However, testimonies consistently reveal a systemic pattern of targeting LGBTQ+ people, with Russian forces using their sexual orientation or gender identity as a pretext for violence, detention, and torture. These actions are supported by Kremlin propaganda framing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment as the defense of “traditional values.” Efforts are underway to document these crimes and pursue justice through both Ukrainian and international legal channels, despite significant challenges.
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A surprise Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields, resulting in the destruction of over 40 planes, was conducted without US involvement. President Trump, who recently criticized Putin and considered lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s war effort, was unaware of the operation. Following the attack, Secretary Rubio spoke with Lavrov, reiterating Trump’s call for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. Pro-Ukraine Republicans praised the Ukrainian operation, highlighting its strategic targeting of Russian military assets. The attack comes amid a US Senate push for stronger sanctions against Russia.
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Ukraine’s recent large-scale drone attack on Russian air bases, involving drones smuggled into Russia and hidden in mobile houses, caused an estimated $7 billion in damages and significantly impacted Russia’s strategic missile capabilities. This operation, years in the making, highlights Ukraine’s continued ability to strike deep within Russian territory. Other notable Ukrainian successes include the sinking of the Moskva cruiser, damage to the Kerch bridge, and a series of high-profile assassinations of Russian military figures within Russia. These actions demonstrate Ukraine’s effective use of unconventional warfare tactics against a larger adversary.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on June 1st struck multiple Russian air bases, including those in Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ryazan, and Ivanovo regions, impacting long-range bombers. These drones, smuggled into Russia in wooden crates and launched from trucks, caused significant damage and prompted widespread shock among Russian citizens, some of whom now feel the war has reached their doorstep. The attacks, claimed by Ukraine’s SBU, represent a significant escalation of the conflict and a major intelligence and military setback for Russia. These incidents follow other recent attacks on Russian infrastructure, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country’s interior.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone operation, codenamed “Web,” successfully destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft at multiple air bases deep within Russian territory. The operation, personally overseen by President Zelenskyy and spanning over 18 months, involved the ingenious deployment of FPV drones hidden in mobile structures. This attack, resulting in an estimated $7 billion in damage, targeted long-range bombers crucial to Russia’s offensive capabilities. The audacious strike occurred hours before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields, described by some as “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” resulted in damage to at least 41 military aircraft. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility, detailing a meticulously planned operation lasting over a year. The attack, following recent Russian ground advances, prompted calls from Russian military experts for a strong response. The incident further complicates already tense US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
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NATO officials deny actively discussing Russia’s demand to halt eastward expansion, stating the topic hasn’t been raised in recent meetings and would require unanimous consent. This follows reports that Russia conditions ending the Ukraine war on a written commitment to cease NATO expansion, a demand deemed unrealistic by NATO sources due to international agreements upholding national sovereignty and self-determination. While some acknowledge Russia’s concerns about NATO expansion, Ukraine’s NATO membership remains unaddressed, and Ukraine itself opposes any limitations on its right to join international organizations.
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Over the past 24 hours, 173 combat engagements occurred across ten front lines in eastern Ukraine and within Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The most intense fighting was on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian forces repelled 66 Russian assaults. Elsewhere, Ukrainian troops successfully defended against numerous attacks, while Russian forces launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments. In the operational zone of Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces repelled 26 Russian assaults.
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To bolster Ukraine’s defense against ongoing Russian aggression and address dwindling international aid, President Zelenskyy has requested $30 billion from Western allies by year’s end to boost domestic arms production. This funding, he argues, is crucial to overcome a production deficit and achieve military objectives, including significantly increasing drone production and daily operations. Zelenskyy also advocates for utilizing frozen Russian assets to finance these efforts, reiterating a previous G7 proposal to leverage such funds. The request comes amidst intensified Russian attacks and unreliable foreign arms deliveries.
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John Q. Hosedrinker