In a recent interview with CNBC, former US President Donald Trump asserted that decreased energy prices could compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Trump believes that a significant drop in oil prices would cripple Putin’s economy, leaving him with “no choice” but to cease hostilities. Specifically, he suggested that a further $10-per-barrel reduction in energy costs would be enough to alter Putin’s actions. This statement underscores Trump’s perspective on the economic levers that might be used to influence the conflict.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal urged an expedited vote on the sanctions bill, asserting that Vladimir Putin should not be given additional time. He highlighted the need for stronger sanctions, suggesting a 500% increase. Blumenthal expressed confidence in securing the necessary votes in the Senate to demonstrate unity and fulfill commitments to Ukraine. He believes the sanctions bill is crucial to ending the war, emphasizing the importance of immediate legislative action.
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Stephen Harper described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “an evil man” and “a real-life Bond villain” who will ultimately leave Russia in chaos. Harper shared his frustrations during a keynote session at a conference in Saskatoon, acknowledging Putin’s intelligence while condemning his tyrannical leadership. Harper has a history of challenging Putin, including over the annexation of Crimea. Furthermore, the former Prime Minister commented on the Canada-U.S. relationship, expressing concern over the U.S.’s approach to trade and the need for Canada to not solely rely on the relationship. He also supported increased Canadian defense spending, despite previous cuts during his time as Prime Minister.
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In an interview, Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger claimed that Donald Trump was prepared to concede Crimea and portions of eastern Ukraine to Russia. Despite this, Russia’s Vladimir Putin chose to continue the war, demonstrating Russia’s lack of interest in peace. Meinl-Reisinger also stated that Trump has expressed frustration with Putin and has imposed strict deadlines for peace talks. She added that Russia is suffering significant losses and facing a worsening economic situation, suggesting Putin is aware he is running out of time, leading to escalated aggression.
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Ukraine alleges that Russia is forcibly abducting Ukrainian children, indoctrinating them, and compelling them into military service, potentially to fight against their own people. These actions, reportedly orchestrated by President Putin, are part of a broader plan to replenish dwindling military ranks and demoralize Ukrainian troops. One example is Vlad Rudenko, who was abducted at 16, subjected to intense training, and eventually escaped. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin due to these child abductions, but Russia denies any wrongdoing, despite documented evidence of indoctrination camps and forced assimilation.
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According to unnamed Kremlin officials, Vladimir Putin is not concerned about Donald Trump’s 50-day deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader views Trump’s ultimatum as an opportunity to pursue his goals, despite any prior hopes for a positive relationship with the former U.S. President. Following talks between Trump and Putin, Russia’s actions in Ukraine were a strategic miscalculation, but Moscow remains open to making overtures toward Washington. The EU, while welcoming Trump’s push for negotiations, has expressed concerns that the 50-day timeline is too long given the ongoing conflict.
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A French organization has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that Russia is conducting a systematic and organized looting of Ukrainian museums. The complaint claims this plundering, which includes the theft of over 1.7 million works of art and cultural properties, constitutes the largest looting of cultural heritage in Europe during an international armed conflict since World War II. The organization seeks arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and eight high-ranking Russian officials, accusing them of planning and enabling the appropriation of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The stolen items, which include collections from the Kherson Regional Museum and others in occupied territories, are reportedly being used to rewrite history and assert a narrative of Russian ownership over the region.
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During a recent call, former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly suggested to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he strike Moscow and St. Petersburg if provided with necessary weapons. According to sources cited by the Financial Times and The Washington Post, Trump aimed to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and force peace negotiations. This shift in strategy comes as Trump’s frustration with Putin grows, and he hardens his stance against Russia, seeking to broker peace amidst the ongoing war. Newsweek has reached out to the White House and Russian foreign ministry for comment.
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During a July 3rd phone call, Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump of his plans to escalate the conflict in eastern Ukraine within the next two months, aiming to seize territory up to the administrative borders of regions he considers Russian. Trump subsequently relayed Putin’s intentions to French President Emmanuel Macron, noting Putin’s broader ambition to “take all of it.” In response to the anticipated escalation, Trump is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine, slated to include offensive weapons like long-range missiles, and is expected to announce the plan on July 14th. This move is part of a larger effort to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, with Senator Lindsey Graham anticipating a significant increase in weapon deliveries.
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According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, a leader within the 155th Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces issued a disturbing order. This brigade, known for war crimes in multiple regions, is currently active in the Sumy region and has suffered significant losses. Ukrainian intelligence highlights that the 155th Brigade is a favored unit of Vladimir Putin, implicated in the torture and murder of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, thus warranting priority targeting on the battlefield.
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John Q. Hosedrinker