Amidst growing concerns over the U.S.’s shifting foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is advocating for increased intelligence sharing with European partners. This shift is driven by concerns about the politicization of U.S. intelligence under the Trump administration, including controversial appointments and potential threats to intelligence-sharing agreements. Experts warn of a need for Canada to bolster its independent intelligence capabilities and forge new alliances to mitigate its reliance on the U.S. This includes proactively engaging with countries outside traditional alliances and deploying intelligence personnel internationally.
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Latvia’s foreign minister warns that Russia’s peace initiatives are aimed at weakening the U.S. and regaining control over Ukraine, objectives unmet through military means. Despite Russia’s limited territorial gains in Ukraine, Putin seeks to achieve these goals through negotiations, underscoring the need for allies to remain vigilant. Europe’s involvement in peace talks is crucial, emphasizing the need for a unified transatlantic approach that prioritizes Ukraine’s security and a lasting peace, not merely a temporary ceasefire. Latvia, along with other Baltic states, is bolstering its defense capabilities to deter further Russian aggression.
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The US’s support for a Russian-backed UN resolution, which avoided blaming Russia for the Ukraine conflict, contrasts sharply with its rejection of a European-led resolution condemning the invasion. This conflicting vote pattern, occurring on the third anniversary of the war’s start, highlights a growing rift between Washington and its European allies. The US resolution, passed in the UN Security Council, urged a swift end to hostilities but lacked condemnation of Russian aggression. This action follows President Trump’s shift towards Moscow and away from longstanding US support for Ukraine.
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On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning the aggression, instead proposing a weaker alternative that omitted any mention of Russian culpability. This action, aligning the U.S. with Russia and against most European allies, marks a significant departure from past U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. resolution, calling only for an end to the conflict, was passed alongside the Ukrainian resolution, which garnered 93 votes in favor. This stark contrast highlights a deeply troubling and arguably dishonest shift in the U.S. stance on the conflict.
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The United States voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, prioritizing a diplomatic approach aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Instead, the U.S. supported a separate, less condemnatory resolution calling for an end to the conflict. This decision reflects a broader U.S. strategy to soften its language regarding Russia, a shift coinciding with President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and criticisms of Ukraine. This strategy contrasts with resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and supported by most EU nations.
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Amidst escalating tensions, a White House official proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This suggestion follows President Trump’s threats of tariffs and annexation of Canada. While Trump’s support for the proposal remains unclear, discussions are underway within his administration. The potential removal of Canada, a long-standing ally, is generating considerable debate given its significant contributions to the alliance.
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In a significant policy shift, the United States sided with Russia against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the war in Ukraine, marking a divergence from its traditional stance and its European allies. This alignment continued in a subsequent UN Security Council vote on a US-proposed resolution that avoided explicitly blaming Russia or affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The US resolution, while passing the Security Council, drew sharp criticism from European nations for failing to address Russia’s aggression. The General Assembly resolution, conversely, garnered overwhelming support, demanding Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukraine. This unprecedented US-Russia collaboration on a UN resolution regarding the war in Ukraine has raised significant international concerns.
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Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has signaled a significant shift in transatlantic relations, expressing concerns about the US’s commitment to European security and advocating for a stronger, more independent European defense. This stance, even from a known Atlanticist like Merz, represents an unprecedented break from the post-World War II norm. He prioritizes strengthening European unity and defense capabilities, potentially reducing reliance on the US and viewing both the US and Russia as posing security threats. This shift reflects growing German insecurity amidst the war in Ukraine, fueled by concerns about Russia and a perceived lack of US commitment to Europe’s safety.
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On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the UN General Assembly rejected a U.S.-proposed resolution for ending the war that omitted mention of Russian aggression, instead approving a Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal. While the Ukrainian resolution passed, support was lower than in previous votes, highlighting diminished international backing. The U.S. abstained from voting on the amended version of its own resolution, reflecting tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine stemming from recent diplomatic initiatives. This outcome underscores the ongoing divisions within the international community regarding the conflict and the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution.
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The United States’ vote against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is a startling development, prompting widespread international condemnation and raising serious questions about the future of US foreign policy. The resolution, which overwhelmingly passed with 93 countries voting in favor and only 18 against, called for the return of occupied Ukrainian territories. This US stance places it alongside Russia, Belarus, and a number of other countries widely considered pro-Moscow, a grouping that seems profoundly at odds with traditional US alliances and values.
This decision is being described as a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, a 180-degree turn that some observers characterize as a betrayal of long-standing commitments to international norms and the defense of democratic principles.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood