Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, speaking at a NATO Parliamentary Assembly session, highlighted China’s crucial role in supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through the provision of dual-use goods and sanctions circumvention. He further emphasized the collaboration between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, citing North Korea’s acquisition of Russian technology and Iran’s use of Russian funds for regional destabilization. This interconnected aggression, Rutte stressed, demands a clear-eyed and unified response from NATO. The cooperation between these four nations presents a significant threat to global stability.
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In the past day, Russia suffered significant losses, with 990 soldiers killed or wounded and over 300 pieces of military equipment destroyed. These losses add to the already staggering total estimated since February 24, 2022, including nearly one million military personnel and tens of thousands of armored vehicles and artillery systems. The reported figures encompass a wide range of military assets, from tanks and aircraft to drones and cruise missiles. Confirmation of these numbers is ongoing.
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Britain, France, Germany, and the United States have reportedly lifted all range restrictions on military supplies to Ukraine. This significant development, announced by German Chancellor Merz, represents a major shift in the Western approach to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. It effectively removes previous limitations on the types of weaponry and the distances they can reach within Ukraine’s defense strategy.
This removal of restrictions means Ukraine now has significantly greater freedom to defend itself, including targeting military positions within Russian territory. This is a substantial escalation in the conflict, dramatically altering the balance of power and the potential scope of engagements.… Continue reading
Russia’s recent air attack on Ukraine, reportedly the largest of the war, resulted in at least 12 deaths. The scale of the attack, while horrific, raises questions. The relatively low number of casualties reported, compared to the magnitude of the assault, has prompted some to question the effectiveness of the attack, suggesting that the actual losses might be underreported by Ukrainian authorities. This discrepancy fuels various interpretations, ranging from the possibility of deliberate downplaying of casualties to a surprisingly effective Ukrainian air defense system, a testament to its improved capabilities and coordination in recent months.
The sheer scale of the attack, however, cannot be dismissed.… Continue reading
Mediazona and the BBC Russian service have identified 109,625 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine between February 24, 2022, and May 23, 2025, a figure likely underrepresenting the true toll. This count, compiled from publicly available sources and meticulously verified by volunteers, includes significant numbers of volunteers, mobilized soldiers, recruited prisoners, and officers. The database, first published in February 2025, is regularly updated; at least 2,009 additional deaths have been confirmed since the beginning of May. The high number of casualties reflects the ongoing intense fighting, particularly in Donetsk Oblast where Russia has maintained the offensive since late 2023.
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Russia launched its largest-ever air attack on Ukraine, using over 360 missiles and drones, resulting in at least 14 deaths, including three children, and widespread damage across 13 regions. Ukrainian forces reported shooting down numerous missiles and drones, but the attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. The assault, which targeted military and civilian sites, came amidst ongoing calls for a ceasefire, which Russia has ignored. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger international pressure on Russia to halt the escalating violence.
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In response to a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine involving drones and missiles on May 25th, Poland and allied nations immediately scrambled fighter jets and heightened the readiness of ground-based air defenses and radar systems. These actions, conducted according to established procedures, aimed to protect Polish airspace bordering at-risk areas. The Polish Operational Command deployed all available forces, maintaining a state of high alert and continuous monitoring of the situation. The Russian assault resulted in casualties and damage in multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Odesa.
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Russia’s military advantage in Ukraine is diminishing due to critical shortages of weapons and manpower, leading to unsustainable losses despite numerical superiority. This decline, evidenced by stalled advances and dwindling tank reserves, presents an opportune moment for increased international pressure on Moscow. However, despite this weakening, Putin remains confident in a Russian victory, fueled by potentially inaccurate internal reports and a strategy of delaying peace negotiations while intensifying attacks. This confidence, coupled with Trump’s reluctance to engage in sanctions, creates a complex geopolitical landscape.
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Overnight attacks on May 24-25th targeted Kyiv and multiple Ukrainian regions, resulting in explosions and injuries. Seven injuries were reported in Kyiv alone, with damage to a student dormitory and residential buildings. The attacks followed a previous night of heavy assaults and involved waves of drones and missiles, prompting widespread air raid alerts. Russia’s continued targeting of civilian areas underscores the ongoing conflict and disregard for international pleas for a ceasefire.
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A prisoner exchange, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, resulting in joyous reunions for some families while others anxiously searched for missing loved ones. This event, a rare success in direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, was overshadowed by simultaneous attacks; Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone assault, while Ukraine responded in kind. The exchange took place amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexities and continuing tensions between the two nations. Despite the celebratory atmosphere for some, the uncertainty surrounding missing soldiers underscores the human cost of the war.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood