British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant increase in UK defense spending, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2034, to counter the perceived threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labelled a tyrant. This increase, framed as the largest since the Cold War’s end, is intended to deter further Russian aggression in Europe and protect the UK from various forms of Russian interference. The plan involves strengthening alliances with the US and other European nations, while also focusing on procuring crucial military equipment like drones and tanks to bolster UK readiness. A peacekeeping plan for Ukraine, developed with France, seeks indirect US support.
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The core message, delivered by a Finnish President—presumably to Donald Trump—is stark and direct: a Putin victory in Ukraine translates to an American defeat. This isn’t about abstract geopolitical strategy; it’s about hitting Trump where it hurts. The problem, as many have observed, isn’t the message itself, but the framing. Appealing to Trump’s sense of patriotism or national interest is futile; he’s primarily driven by self-preservation and personal gain.
Therefore, the argument must be reframed to directly impact Trump’s own interests. Suggesting that a Putin win equates to a personal loss for Trump is far more effective than highlighting potential damage to the US.… Continue reading
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe asserted that Donald Trump’s actions raise serious questions about his relationship with Russia, though not necessarily as a formally recruited asset. McCabe cited Trump’s public admiration for Vladimir Putin, questionable approach to the Ukraine conflict, and willingness to negotiate with Russia even at the expense of US interests as significant concerns. These behaviors, McCabe argued, warrant further investigation into potential compromises or undue influence from Russia. The lack of investigation into pro-Trump influencers spreading pro-Russia narratives further fuels such concerns.
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A Wall Street Journal report reveals a previously undisclosed, two-year communication channel between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin, encompassing personal and geopolitical discussions. These conversations included a Russian request to Musk to limit Starlink service over Taiwan, highlighting significant national security implications given Musk’s roles in the US space program, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s close ties to the Trump campaign further amplify concerns, especially given potential future governmental roles for Musk. The situation has drawn comparisons to Russia’s post-Soviet oligarchic era, raising fears of undue influence and potential regulatory favors.
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Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns at the Munich Security Conference regarding Donald Trump’s proposed negotiations with Vladimir Putin, fearing preemptive concessions to Russia. Zelensky warned of potential future Russian aggression against NATO countries, citing intelligence suggesting Putin’s preparations for war in the coming year. A Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl nuclear plant further fueled Zelensky’s concerns about Russia’s intentions, contradicting claims of a willingness to negotiate. He emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial to deter further Russian attacks.
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President Xi Jinping affirmed a commitment to elevating Sino-Russian relations to unprecedented heights, emphasizing stability and resilience in the face of global uncertainty. President Putin reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting the unwavering strength of their bilateral ties, independent of domestic or international pressures. This strengthened partnership follows China’s increased support for Russia since the Ukraine invasion, marked by a prior “no limits” cooperation agreement. The article contrasts this strengthened relationship with former President Trump’s previously stated intentions to adopt a more confrontational approach towards China and to negotiate with Putin regarding Ukraine.
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Following his inauguration, President Trump urged Russian President Putin to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine, warning of dire consequences for Russia if the conflict persists. Trump expressed confidence in his ability to broker a resolution, referencing past interactions with Putin and recent conversations with President Zelenskyy. Putin, in turn, signaled his openness to dialogue with the new US administration, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace while reiterating Russia’s commitment to its national interests. Trump’s past statements about mediating the conflict were acknowledged by Putin as a welcome effort to prevent global escalation.
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In a joint meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov urged the Ministry of Defense to prepare for potential military conflict with NATO within the next ten years. This preparedness is deemed necessary alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. Belousov’s statement follows President Putin’s warning about Western aid to Ukraine nearing a “red line.” The comments contrast with President-elect Trump’s call for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict.
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In a recent interview, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions, using strong language to emphasize that Putin’s pursuit of empire is over. Johnson asserted that countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine are no longer part of any Russian empire. This statement comes amidst ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Russia claims territorial gains and Ukraine reports repelling drone attacks and capturing North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces. The conflict continues with both sides claiming battlefield successes.
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Nikolay Goltsev, a Russian-Montrealer, received a 40-month prison sentence for conspiring to illegally export over $10 million in restricted electronics to Russia. These components were used in Russian military systems deployed during the invasion of Ukraine. Goltsev and his wife, Kristina Puzyreva (who received a 24-month sentence), publicly professed support for Ukraine while secretly facilitating the procurement scheme. The Justice Department highlighted text messages revealing their true allegiances and intent to support Russia’s war effort. Goltsev also forfeited $4 million and additional assets.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood