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European Court: Russia Used Rape As Weapon Of War, Commits Major War Crimes In Ukraine

July 10, 2025, 12:08 am

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has held Russia responsible for wide and serious human rights abuses in Ukraine between May 2014 and September 2022, including extrajudicial executions, torture, sexual violence, and forced labor. The decision, made by the court’s grand chamber, termed the abuses as “manifestly unlawful conduct on a massive scale.”

This historic ruling encompasses the period from the beginning of Russia’s incursion into Donetsk and Luhansk in 2014 up to its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, until Russia withdrew from the European Convention on Human Rights. Russia refused to take part in the hearings and has promised to disregard the ruling.

The court established cogent evidence of widespread sexual violence employed as a weapon of war, such as the violent rapes and sexual assaults involving electric shocks, beatings, and mutilation. Severe treatment was also inflicted on male detainees meant to humiliate and erase their masculinity.

Other cited violations are indiscriminate attacks, arbitrary detention, forced displacement, summary killings, and the transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children to Russia. Widespread repression of Ukrainian language and culture, religious persecution, and intimidation of media workers were also recorded by the court.

These measures seek to obliterate democratic institutions and demonstrate utter disrespect for the rule of law,” the court wrote. It went on to say that the extent of abuse and disrespect for international standards is unprecedented in its history.

The ruling was hailed by Ukraine as a “historic and undeniable victory.” The court has not yet ruled on whether Russia must pay reparations, although Moscow has already declined to respect such verdicts.

In a significant finding, the court also ruled that the downing of flight MH17 by a Russian-supplied missile violated the European Convention on Human Rights, citing Russia’s direct involvement in the tragedy that killed 298 civilians.

Russia Claims Control Of Two More Ukrainian Villages Amid Ongoing Offensive In East And Northeast

July 7, 2025, 4:40 am

Russian troops reported new gains in Ukraine territory on Sunday, saying they had taken two villages in the eastern Donetsk and northeastern Kharkiv provinces, both of which have witnessed increased onslaughts over the past few months.

Russian forces captured the village of Piddubne in the Donetsk region, south-west of the strategic frontline city of Pokrovsk, a Russian Defence Ministry statement said. The ministry stated that its “East” military formation had successfully broken through Ukrainian defenses along the village, which is on the route of Russia’s ongoing advance to capture the whole of the Donetsk region.

Furthermore, Russian troops apparently took over Sobolivka, which is close to Kupiansk in the Kharkiv province a hub of renewed Russian push. The town had earlier been recaptured by Ukraine, but Russian forces have damaged it comprehensively of late. If confirmed, the capture of Sobolivka would be a limited victory west of Kupiansk.

Ukraine’s armed forces did not indicate the loss of either village in its most recent update but did report continuing battles around Kupiansk and other areas in the northeast.

Russian bombardment in the Sumy area, where Moscow has asserted its presence in recent weeks, killed two civilians in the village of Bytytsya, the region’s governor reported.

Russian news agency Interfax also stated that Russian military struck a Ukrainian air base, a plant manufacturing parts for long-range drones, and multiple ammunition stores.

Russia now controls almost 19% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including the vast majority of Luhansk, more than 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, and portions of Kharkiv and Sumy.

Moscow still insists that Ukraine should relinquish complete control of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces as a condition of any future peace deal a request Kyiv strongly dismisses as it aims to protect its territorial integrity.

Big Trouble for Putin as Trump Sends Ukraine THIS ‘Brahmastra’ — Strikes 20 Targets, Flies at Hypersonic Speed

July 6, 2025, 12:32 pm

US President Donald Trump felt disappointed in his latest talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin, admitting that there was no progress in putting an end to the three-year war in Ukraine. Returning from a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump told reporters in Washington on Thursday night that he found Putin unwilling to put the war to an end. He later promised Ukraine would need Patriot missiles for its defense. Trump declared this after he had a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. The series of events shows the annoyance of Trump against Moscow and new energy to Ukraine’s military needs.

Trump Makes No Progress with Putin

Trump publicly expressed his disappointment with the outcome of his encounter with Putin. “I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don’t think he’s there,” Trump said. “I don’t believe he wants to stop, and that’s unfortunate.” The statement followed a failed diplomatic attempt to prod Russia to de-escalate. Despite Trump wanting to reach out to the Kremlin once more, Putin had nothing else in mind except for continuing the prolonged conflict.

Ukraine Seeks Defense Assistance

After his call with President Zelenskyy, Trump referred to Ukraine’s heightened request for advanced air defense systems. Trump responded when queried on whether additional Patriot missiles would be delivered to Ukraine, “They’re going to need them to defend. They’re going to need something because they are getting hit quite hard.” The White House then confirmed that the two leaders had discussed the pressing need of Ukraine to counter heightened Russian attacks.

Why the Patriot System Matters

The Patriot missile defense system manufactured by Raytheon Technologies is the most sophisticated aerial defense weapon in the US, it is an “air shield” because it can detect, track, and destroy air threats. It has a range to detect and track targets 5,000 kilometers away and destroy them at speeds of over 5,800 kilometers per hour. The system uses radar-guided precision and can engage up to 20 targets simultaneously, such as drones, enemy planes, and ballistic missiles.

Ukraine considers the Patriot system paramount to protect its cities, especially amid Russian airborne assaults growing in magnitude. The system’s speed, accuracy, and interception ability make it a main defense weapon in the country’s arsenal. With the threat of energy infrastructure and civilian targets constantly looming, Kyiv still clamors for more systems to protect its skies.

Ukraine Hits Russian Air Base As Moscow Unleashes Record 300+ Drones Overnight

July 5, 2025, 11:05 pm

Ukraine’s military on Saturday took credit for a precision attack on Russia’s Borisoglebsk air base in the Voronezh region, hitting primary fighter aircraft and munitions in an attempt to cripple Moscow’s air war efforts again. The attack struck a store of glide bombs, a training plane, and possibly other military equipment, though Russian officials made no comment.

The attack is happening against a background of intense ramping up of hostilities, with Russia firing a massive salvo of 322 drones and decoys overnight into Saturday. Ukraine’s air force said they had downed 157 drones, while 135 would most likely have been jammed electronically. The western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target, although no casualties or destruction were reported, a local official said.

Kyiv is still subjected to constant aerial bombing. Overnight into Friday, the capital saw its most dramatic bombardment yet since the conflict started. Two civilians were confirmed killed and at least 31 others wounded, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Saturday.

The new wave of violence comes after a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, during which the presidents spoke of reinforcing Ukraine’s air defence and increasing co-production of weapons. Trump later called the call “very good,” although he confirmed he was in the dark about prospects for halting the war.

Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry reported intercepting nearly 140 Ukrainian drones across various regions on Saturday. In Engels, drone debris damaged 25 apartment units, though no injuries were reported. Four additional drones were downed en route to Moscow, prompting a temporary suspension of flights at Sheremetyevo Airport.

As Western deliveries of aid begin to slack, Ukraine turns to boost homegrown arms production a process officials caution will be slow while preparing for further Russian assaults intended to wear out its defences and morale. The fighting, in its fourth year, continues unrelenting.

Russian Boxer Slammed for Giving Vape to Endangered Orangutan | WATCH

July 5, 2025, 2:08 pm

Russian pugilist Anastasia Luchkina is in the dock after a viral video emerged of her handing a vape to an endangered orangutan named Dana at Crimean Taigan Safari Park. The video, which has sparked outrage on the internet, shows the orangutan seemingly taking several drags from the device. According to New York Post, Dana has been housed at the safari park since 2018 and is said to be the only orangutan in the area.

In the video, the 24-year-old fighter is initially observed vaping herself before passing the vape across a metal fence to the orangutan in the enclosure.

The ape puffs a few times, producing a visible cloud of vapour. Luchkina is later observed repeatedly sharing the vape with Dana, triggering a wave of online outrage and alarm at the animal’s wellbeing.

Watch:

Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina lets an endangered orangutan take a hit from her vape pen.

The 24-year-old boxer is under fire after having the orangutan use her e-cigarette in Crimea.

According to local outlets, the orangutan displayed “disturbing” behavior after consuming… pic.twitter.com/oRjhq59XLa

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 2, 2025

Social media users were swift to criticize her actions, calling them irresponsible and unsafe. One of them posted, “Just disgusting behavior and she should not be permitted to fight again.” Another one said, “She should be arrested and jailed for life for putting this innocent animal in harm’s way.”

Talking to SunSport, PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi commented: “Anastasia Luchkina must have taken a few too many blows on the head if she believes it’s a lark to provide an orangutan with a vape…a disregard for this smart, kind ape’s welfare.”

Beyond the Battlefield: Russia’s Nuclear Industry Fuels Its War Machine

July 5, 2025, 12:48 pm

While the world focuses on Iran’s nuclear program, Russia has rapidly expanded its nuclear supremacy. Despite facing sanctions and international criticism after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has strengthened its hold on the global nuclear industry. With its state-owned corporation Rosatom, Moscow now dominates both the market for reactor exports and uranium enrichment.

This surge provides Russia not only monetary profit but also political leverage, leveraging energy dependence as a diplomatic tool and geopolitical lever. The US and European Union continue to buy Russian nuclear components even during the war, demonstrating how deeply Rosatom has entrenched itself in the international supply chain.

Putin’s Leverages Nuclear Strength as a Strategic Tool

President Vladimir Putin has made repeated nuclear threats since 2022, threatening consequences if Western powers intervene militarily in Ukraine. Although most in the West interpret the threats as bluffs, Russia’s real nuclear capabilities lend weight to the threats. Putin’s threats are supported by a fast-developing nuclear industry, enabling him to exercise global influence far beyond the battlefield.

Russia controls both pillars of the civilian nuclear sector. The World Nuclear Association states that Rosatom owns approximately 65% of the international market for nuclear power reactor exports. Meanwhile, Russia owns 44% of the world’s uranium-enrichment capability. What this implies is that Russia is able to supply both the nuclear facilities and the fuel they need to function, so its services are difficult to substitute.

Money Flows in From All Directions

Despite international tensions, Rosatom continues to receive business from countries across the political spectrum. The Economist reported in 2023 that Rosatom is constructing about 20 reactors overseas. It is building 17 of these outside Russia, in countries such as Turkey, Egypt, India, and Bangladesh.

Even adversaries fund Russia’s nuclear sector. In 2023, the United States imported nearly 25% of its enriched uranium from Russia. In the same year, World Bank figures put Russia’s revenues from enriched uranium sales at around $2.7 billion—primarily to the US and EU—and a further $1.1 billion from selling reactors and associated equipment, such as fuel assemblies containing enriched uranium.

Together, Rosatom’s foreign revenues totaled over $16 billion in 2023. Over $7 billion of that was from constructing new nuclear power plants, typically financed through Russian state-supported loans.

Dependency Brings Diplomatic Leverage

Russia’s nuclear supremacy provides it with enormous diplomatic influence. In May 2024, the European Commission vowed to table taxes or charges on Russian enriched uranium. However, the proposal was promptly resisted by Slovakia and Hungary, both of which depend on Russian-designed reactors. They cautioned that the EU’s proposal would increase the cost of energy and destabilize power supplies.

Russia has strengthened bonds by fostering long-term nuclear deals. Turkey’s 2010 contract with Rosatom to construct and run four reactors solidified the bilateral relationship. Numerous experts tied the venture to Ankara’s disputed purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missiles. In Bangladesh, Rosatom is building two reactors that will provide 10% of the country’s prospective electricity capacity—putting Bangladesh on the list of states highly dependent on Russian nuclear technology, such as Hungary and Slovakia.

The West Unveils the ‘Sapporo Five’ to Counter Russia

To counter it, the West is waging a collective effort to minimize dependence on Rosatom. Their first move is to minimize imports of Russian enriched uranium, fuel assemblies, and reactor services. The second is to increase their competitiveness in the export market.

In 2023, the US, UK, France, Canada, and Japan introduced the “Sapporo Five.” This group is committed to investing no less than $4.2 billion in building their own uranium enrichment capacity and nuclear export capability. The aim is to undermine Russia’s stranglehold by providing competitive alternatives to the international marketplace. Whether it will work is unclear—but the competition is on.

Dutch Defence Minister: Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons in Ukraine is ‘Widespread’

July 4, 2025, 12:49 pm

Dutch intelligence officials have revealed evidence that Russia has extensively deployed prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine. The Netherlands’ Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and the Dutch military intelligence chief say these include chocking agents deployed from drones to drive Ukrainian troops out of trenches and make them susceptible to gunfire.

“This is not a bit of ad-hoc messing around at the front line; this is absolutely part of a mass-scale program,” said Peter Reesink, head of the Dutch Military Intelligence Agency.

He pointed out that Russia’s activities include expanded research capability, recruitment of scientists for development of chemical weapons, and explicit orders by authorities to soldiers on deploying these poisonous weapons.

Reesink added, “If we don’t clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, it’s highly likely these trends will continue.” He described the use of such weapons by Russian forces as “almost standing operating procedure.”

Evidence of Intensified Use

Defence Minister Brekelmans, in an interview with Reuters, urged tighter actions against Moscow. “The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is upping its use of chemical weapons,” he said. “This increased use is worrying because it is part of a trend we’ve been seeing for several years now, where Russia’s use of chemical weapons in this conflict is becoming ever more normalized, standardized, and widespread.”

Russia has been using particularly chloropicrin, a World War I-choking agent originally used by Germany—specifically in improvised weapons, Dutch research says. “We directly connected the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, for example, light bulbs that are filled and empty bottles suspended beneath a drone. In the case of teargas, we observe that they are also abusing and repurposing available munitions to serve as the carrier for the gas,” Reesink said.

Sanctions and International Concerns

Brekelmans cautioned that Russia’s chemical weapons production poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to other nations as well. “We need to raise the pressure even more. That is, to consider more sanctions and particularly to exclude them from international organizations such as the Executive Council of the OPCW,” he urged. The Netherlands’ intelligence results are to be presented officially in the form of a letter to parliament.

Rotating seats on the OPCW council will be negotiated in the coming months. In the meantime, the European Commission is contemplating extra sanctions against 15 new groups and persons connected with suspected chemical weapons application in Ukraine.

Far-Reaching Impact and Casualties

A minimum of three Ukrainian deaths have been attributed to chemical attacks, with more than 2,500 people reporting symptoms associated with chemical exposure, as reported by Ukrainian health officials. Reesink also quoted Ukrainian estimates of perhaps 9,000 events corresponding to Dutch reports of ‘thousands of instances’ of chemical weapons use.

Wider International Responses

The United States initially accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a more dangerous substance than conventional riot control agents last May.

Ukraine says there have been thousands of such incidents. Russia’s defence ministry made no comment for the Reuters story, but Moscow has continually denied using prohibited weapons, responding with accusations that Ukraine has used them instead.

On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia’s security agencies discovered Ukrainian explosive devices with chloropicrin in the east. Ukraine has strongly denied these charges.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, earlier characterized bilateral recriminations by both nations as “insufficiently substantiated.” No member state has so far launched a full probe.

Chloropicrin is listed by the OPCW as a banned choking agent. It can create strong irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, as well as burns of the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.

Russia Becomes First Nation To Recognize Taliban Government In Diplomatic Breakthrough

July 4, 2025, 1:20 am

Russia has officially welcomed a new Afghan ambassador appointed by the Taliban, becoming the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban regime since it captured Afghanistan in August 2021.

The move, which was announced Thursday by the Russian Foreign Ministry, represents a major diplomatic breakthrough for the Taliban regime, which has had difficulty securing international legitimacy. “We believe the action of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation,” the ministry said in an announcement.

Moscow stated it believes there exists high potential for the growth of cooperation with Kabul, especially in fields like counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, energy, transportation, and agriculture. Moscow also made a commitment to further backing Afghanistan’s security requirements.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the gesture and referred to it as a “courageous step” and hoped that it would be the inspiration for other countries.

Although no state ever granted official recognition to the Taliban, a number of states, including China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and the UAE, have posted ambassadors to Kabul, which suggests increasing diplomatic activity.

Russia’s initiative arrives as the Taliban has continued to pursue relief from international sanctions and frozen funds. The US has withheld billions from the Afghan central bank and sanctioned Taliban officials on grounds of human rights issues, specifically the restriction of women and girls.

Moscow’s move comes after its gradual rapprochement with the Taliban. Last April, Russia ended its years-long ban on the group, which it had declared a terrorist organization in 2003. Afghanistan has since 2022 been importing fuel, wheat, and other products from Russia.

Russia points to a mutual interest in counterterrorism, especially following the fatal ISIS-K bombing this year in Moscow. The Taliban says it is working hard to counter the Islamic State’s presence in Afghanistan.

Although the diplomatic turn has come, Western countries are still wary, calling for reforms on women’s rights before granting recognition.

Denmark Expands Military Draft To Include Women As Russia Threat Sparks Urgent Defence Shift

July 2, 2025, 10:56 pm

Starting July 1, Denmark officially began conscripting women into the military, a significant change in defense policy as the nation reacts to increasing security risks from Russia and seeks to satisfy NATO’s expectations.

Before, women were allowed to volunteer for service but were exempted from the compulsory draft lottery. Now, as per the new law enacted in June by the Danish Parliament, women who reach the age of 18 will be brought under conscription procedures, similar to men.

“The defence requires all available fighting strength we can muster,” said Defence Chief Michael W. Hyldgaard. “This demands that we recruit from the entire society.”

The decision, advanced 18 months earlier than planned, is interpreted as a pragmatic measure to bridge manpower gaps and not an ideological drive towards gender parity. Women now account for around 10% of the armed forces in Denmark. The administration wants to raise basic training intake from 4,700 last year to 6,500 by 2027 and intends to increase obligatory service duration from four to 11 months by 2026.

Experts attribute the shift to increasing concerns about regional security, especially Russia’s behavior in Ukraine and the Arctic. Denmark isn’t bordering Russia, yet both sabotage and tensions across the Baltic Sea have increased.

“This isn’t about being afraid of tanks in Copenhagen tomorrow, but rather recognizing that Russia is still an issue,” wrote Mikkel Runge Olesen of the Danish Institute for International Studies.

Denmark’s military readiness has dropped in the last ten years, and a major rebuild was called for. Experts add that encouragement from former US President Donald Trump to increase NATO contributions, as well as his interest in Greenland, could have triggered quicker moves but that the decision, officials say, was unavoidable.

“There’s a real sense of urgency now,” analyst Anders Puck Nielsen said. “This is about rebuilding a credible national defense quickly.”

Germany Launches Maritime Crackdown On Russia’s ‘Ghost Fleet’ In Baltic Seas

July 1, 2025, 10:51 pm

Germany unveiled fresh measures on Tuesday aimed at stemming the operations of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels in the Baltic and North Seas. Under the direction of the German foreign ministry, officials have started inspecting passing oil tankers for the presence of valid pollution insurance coverage, seeking to heighten oversight of vessels with dubious ownership and suspect safety standards.

The “shadow fleet” is a term used to describe an increasing fleet of old, quietly run tankers that enable Russia to maintain crude oil shipments since Western sanctions were put in place following its invasion of Ukraine. These vessels tend to skirt reputable insurance companies and shun docking at European ports, making them hard to track and regulate.

It is clear what our objective is: we are putting pressure on the Russian shadow fleet and we are defending the Baltic Sea,” stated German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in a press release.

The inspections, which commenced on Tuesday, form part of Germany’s overall endeavor to impose sanctions and maintain maritime security. Authorities state that ships lacking legitimate insurance may be refused passage or face legal action.

The action reflects Germany’s dedication to protecting the environment and getting Russia to account for utilizing other networks to violate global sanctions.

Ukrainian Pilot Killed, F-16 Downed in Russian Strike

June 29, 2025, 1:43 pm

A Ukrainian pilot was assassinated and an F-16 fighter aircraft shot down in a relentless Russian missile and drone attack, Ukraine’s military said on Sunday, as per Reuters.

The Ukrainian air force reported that the pilot was able to destroy seven airborne targets during Russia’s missile campaign, but his plane was hit during destroying the seventh one and started to lose altitude. “The pilot utilized all of his onboard weapons and destroyed seven air targets. While destroying the last one, his aircraft was damaged and started losing altitude,” the air force reported in a Telegram post quoted by Reuters.

The Kyiv military reported that the pilot attempted to steer the damaged F-16 clear of populated regions but was not able to eject in time.

Scope of Russia’s Nighttime Raids

Russia unleashed a huge nighttime offensive across Ukraine’s western, southern, and central areas, launching hundreds of drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. Local officials heard explosions in parts of Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy.

As per the Ukrainian military statistics, Moscow fired at six targets in the country, releasing 477 drones and 60 missiles of different types. Ukraine’s air defense was able to destroy 211 drones and 38 missiles in the attack.

Third F-16 Lost in War

This is the third time that an F-16 fighter plane has been lost by Ukraine in its current conflict with Russia, based on military reports. The mass attack also targeted houses and vital infrastructure, injuring at least six civilians.

Tharoor Holds Key Talks with Russia’s Lavrov During Official Visit

June 26, 2025, 8:31 am

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently facing internal criticism within his party, is on a private visit to Russia to promote a 10-part documentary based on his 2017 book Inglorious Empire. During the trip, he met senior Russian leaders including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to people familiar with the matter.

The documentary, produced by Russia’s state-run RT network, draws from Tharoor’s acclaimed 2015 Oxford Union speech on British colonial reparations. He arrived in Russia on June 21, attending the St Petersburg Economic Forum before moving to Moscow.

High-Level Meetings and Diaspora Outreach

On June 23, Tharoor met Leonid Slutsky, chair of the State Duma’s international affairs committee, and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at the Indian Embassy. He held further talks on June 24 with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the Primakov Readings, an annual forum on international relations and economics.

On Wednesday, Tharoor also met Konstantin Kosachev, head of the foreign affairs committee in the upper house, and engaged with the Malayalee diaspora in Russia.

Talks on Terrorism, India-Russia Ties and Middle East Conflicts

While in Moscow, Tharoor briefed Russian officials on India’s counter-terrorism efforts, especially Operation Sindoor—a cross-border operation targeting terror infrastructure after the Pahalgam attack. He also discussed India-Russia relations, the Iran-Israel conflict, and the Gaza crisis.

RT said his meeting with Slutsky covered “pressing international issues, including Middle East conflicts, the Ukraine crisis, and India-Pakistan tensions.”

Slutsky emphasized India’s role in BRICS and called for a parliamentary mechanism within the bloc. “India is a key member of BRICS… we must start discussions on a parliamentary dimension,” he said.

Tharoor responded:
“Good to renew my acquaintance with my Russian counterpart… We exchanged views on regional peace, #OperationSindoor and possible avenues of future parliamentary cooperation.”

Congress Row Over Modi Praise Shadows Russia Visit

Tharoor’s Russia visit comes amid a political controversy in India. A recent article praising PM Modi and India’s diplomatic strategy during Operation Sindoor—shared by the PMO—drew criticism from Congress leaders.

Without naming him, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge remarked, “For the party, it is country first; for some individuals, it is Modi first.”

In a seeming reply, Tharoor posted: “Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one…”

Tharoor’s Documentary Set to Explore Colonial Exploitation

The RT-produced docuseries based on Inglorious Empire explores the impact of British colonialism on India. It is expected to air in the third quarter of this year and will trace the trajectory and aftermath of colonial rule.

Tharoor has previously served as part of a government-led delegation to 33 countries to explain India’s shift in counter-terrorism policy under Operation Sindoor.

Putin Clarifies Russia’s Position Amid Iran-Israel-US Conflict

June 23, 2025, 12:06 pm

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has explained Moscow’s stance following the United States’ surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. His statement comes at a time when Russia’s role in the unfolding Iran-Israel conflict is under global scrutiny.

Putin Calls Critics “Provocateurs”

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin addressed doubts about Russia’s loyalty to its allies. He called those questioning Moscow’s support “provocateurs,” as reported by Russia’s TASS news agency.

He pointed out the complexity of Russia’s relationships in the region. “I would like to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia’s contemporary history,” Putin said.

Russia Balances Ties with Israel and Iran

Putin noted that Russia has strong cultural and demographic ties with Israel but also shares a close, strategic partnership with Iran. “We have a trusting relationship with Iran,” he said, recalling Russia’s support in building Iran’s first nuclear plant in Bushehr.

He also reminded the audience that around 15% of Russia’s population practices Islam, and that Moscow holds observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Moscow Slams US Airstrikes on Iran

After the US bombed three major nuclear facilities in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—Russia condemned the strikes. In a strongly worded statement, the Russian foreign ministry called the attacks “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law.”

The ministry warned, “It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security.”

Russia Ready to Mediate Peace

Earlier last week, Putin had offered Moscow’s help in mediating the Iran-Israel conflict. He proposed a diplomatic solution where Iran could pursue peaceful nuclear activities, while also easing Israel’s security concerns.

Iran Vows Revenge on Israel

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning to Israel, a day after the US launched strikes on Iranian soil. Although he didn’t directly mention the US, he made his message to Israel clear.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei declared, “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a major crime; it must be punished—and it is being punished. It is being punished right now.”

Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Kyiv Amid Rising Tensions

June 23, 2025, 9:50 am

Ukraine reported a new wave of Russian drone attacks on its capital Kyiv on Monday. This came just a day after Ukraine’s top general vowed to hit back harder and deeper inside Russia.

Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, said in a statement, “Another massive attack on the capital. Possibly, several waves of enemy drones.”

Casualties and Panic in Kyiv

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people were hospitalized in the Solomianski district. Tkachenko later added that two more were injured near a metro station in the Sviatochinski area.

Journalists from AFP reported hearing drones buzzing and explosions in central Kyiv. Gunfire followed shortly after. Around ten residents took shelter in a building basement, anxiously checking their phones for updates as the attack continued.

Ukraine Promises Stronger Response

General Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, declared that Ukraine would not remain passive. “We will not just sit in defence. Because this brings nothing and eventually leads to the fact that we still retreat, lose people and territories,” he told AFP and other reporters.

He stressed that Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian military targets had shown results. “Of course, we will continue. We will increase the scale and depth,” Syrsky said.

Targeting Military and Energy Sites

Throughout the war, Ukraine has launched counterattacks on Russian energy hubs and military locations, even those far from the frontline. Officials in Kyiv say these are fair responses to Moscow’s deadly assaults on civilians and infrastructure.

On Sunday, a Russian attack killed four people in Kramatorsk after striking an apartment building. Later, another Russian strike on a Ukrainian army training site killed three more.

Drone War Favors Russia

Syrsky acknowledged that Russia currently has the upper hand in drone warfare. He pointed out their use of fibre-optic drones, which are hard to block.

“Here, unfortunately, they have an advantage in both the number and range of their use,” he admitted.

Ukraine Claims Hold Inside Russia

Syrsky also claimed that Ukraine still controls about 90 square kilometers of land inside Russia’s Kursk region. This area was part of a Ukrainian cross-border mission last August.

“These are our pre-emptive actions in response to a possible enemy offensive,” he explained. However, Russia earlier said it had taken full control of that area and denies any Ukrainian presence there.

Ongoing War and Peace Talks Stalled

Russia still occupies around 20% of Ukrainian land. Since 2022, it has claimed to annex four regions in addition to Crimea, which it took in 2014.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of avoiding peace to keep its offensive going and seize more ground.

On Sunday, Russia said it had taken over Petrivske village in the northeastern Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russia had sent 47 drones and fired three missiles at the country between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Texas Bans Property Buys By Chinese, Russian Nationals, Sparking Legal Fight

June 22, 2025, 10:32 pm

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a contentious bill that prohibits citizens and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from buying properties. The law comes into force on September 1 and will exempt US citizens and green card holders, with visa holders being allowed to buy properties only for primary residency.

Originally presented in 2022, the bill Senate Bill 17 elicited criticism and was altered to include some exemptions. Its sponsor, Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, states the bill will protect key assets like land, water, and natural resources from possible foreign control.

The law is justified by its proponents to restrict real estate purchases by nations considered to be adversarial, led by China, which reportedly owns approximately 123,708 acres of land in Texas the biggest portfolio in the US states. A 2023 report by the USDA discovered that entities owned by China owned less than 1% of all foreign-owned US land.

But the law has come under intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Asian-American advocacy groups as discriminatory and xenophobic. The policy can result in racial profiling and housing discrimination of Asian Americans, the critics say. “Asian Americans could be unfairly denied housing based on appearance,” said Bethany Li of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Civil rights activists are lining up to sue the law in court, following in the footsteps of a similar court battle in Florida, where a federal appeals court has just granted relief to plaintiffs in a suit against a similar law. The US Department of Justice has complained that such laws infringe on constitutional protections.

More than a dozen US states are currently weighing such bills. Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are also working to impose such restrictions across the country, citing national security threats associated with prospective espionage or military threats.

Ukraine And Russia Exchange Sick And Wounded Prisoners In Latest Swap

June 20, 2025, 2:25 am

Ukraine and Russia conducted a new exchange of prisoners of war on Thursday, officials from both nations said, in another wave of swaps under the deal negotiated in Istanbul.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted photos of the homecoming soldiers, most of them having spent months in captivity since the initial days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Wrapped in the national flag of Ukraine, the soldiers looked visibly shaken and relieved.

Kyiv’s POW coordinating council asserted the Ukrainian servicemen who took part were hurt or sick. Moscow’s defence ministry explained that the Russian prisoners being swapped would also undergo medical care and rehabilitation.

Though no official figures were announced by either, this exchange highlights one of the few continuing areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow despite languid diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end. The prisoner exchanges are a rare but important humanitarian act in the midst of the ongoing conflict.

What Russia Stands to Gain or Lose from Middle East Tensions | TDG Explainer

June 18, 2025, 7:46 am

When Israel started Operation Rising Lion, Russian officials quickly called the situation in the Middle East “alarming” and “dangerous.” However, Russian state media also focused on how this crisis might benefit Moscow.

Potential Gains for Russia

First, the conflict could raise global oil prices. That would increase revenue for Russia, which heavily depends on energy exports.
Second, the war shifts global attention away from Ukraine. One Russian newspaper, Moskovsky Komsomolets, even ran the headline: “Kyiv has been forgotten.”
Third, if Russia’s offer to mediate in the conflict gets accepted, it could improve its image. The Kremlin might present itself as a peace broker in the Middle East—even though it’s actively fighting in Ukraine.

But Risks Are Rising for Moscow

Still, as Israel’s military action drags on, Russia sees growing risks.

Russian political expert Andrei Kortunov, writing in Kommersant, warned on Monday, “The escalation of the conflict carries serious risks and potential costs for Moscow.”

He pointed out that Russia had recently signed a deep strategic deal with Iran but still failed to stop Israel’s large-scale attack. He wrote:
“The fact remains that Russia was unable to prevent a mass strike by Israel on a country with which five months ago [Russia] signed a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

According to him, Russia is not ready to go beyond verbal support for Iran. “Clearly Moscow is not prepared to go beyond political statements condemning Israel, it’s not ready to provide Iran with military assistance.”

The Limits of the Russia-Iran Deal

The agreement signed earlier this year between President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is not a military pact. It does not require Russia to defend Iran if it is attacked.

Back then, Russian leaders described the deal as a major diplomatic success. In an interview with Ria Novosti, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the agreement focused on “strengthening of co-ordination in the interests of peace and security on the regional and global levels” and showed “the desire of Moscow and Tehran for closer co-operation on security and defence.”

Losing Ground in the Region

In fact, Russia has already lost influence in the region. Last December, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, once a close ally of Moscow, was overthrown. Russia gave him asylum.

Now, Russia fears the same might happen in Iran. Losing another key partner would deeply hurt its regional strategy.

Moskovsky Komsomolets reflected this fear, saying: “In global politics right now, massive changes are taking place in real time which will affect life in our country, either directly or indirectly.”

All Eyes on Putin at Economic Forum

Meanwhile, President Putin is in St. Petersburg this week for the International Economic Forum. It used to be called “Russia’s Davos,” but that title no longer fits.

In recent years, major Western business leaders have avoided the forum—especially after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Despite that, Russian officials claim that delegates from more than 140 countries and territories will attend this year.

The Kremlin will likely use the event to show that global efforts to isolate Russia have failed. Even though it’s an economic forum, politics will play a big role.

Many observers will be watching closely to see what Putin says about both the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine.

Russian Missile and Drone Strike in Kyiv Kills 15, Injures Dozens

June 17, 2025, 5:17 pm

Russia has initiated one of its most lethal attacks on Ukraine in months, killing a minimum of 15 and wounding dozens. The russian attack hit dozens of civilian locations in Kyiv and other cities. The nighttime offensive included over 440 drones and 32 missiles. Ukrainian authorities called it a wave of “pure terrorism.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the damage in the capital as one of the worst since the beginning of the war. Russia’s four-year-old full-scale invasion, which has worsened in the last few weeks with no indication of diplomatic gains, has seen intensified Russian shelling.

Russia Pounds Civilian Targets in Kyiv

The capital city of Kyiv experienced 27 sites targeted in successive waves of missile and drone attacks. A ballistic missile hit a nine-storey apartment building in the Solomianskyi district. The explosion reduced part of the building to rubble.

Emergency workers made their way to rescue survivors. One group employed a crane to lift an old woman on a stretcher through a window. Local resident Viktoriia Vovchenko, 57, commented, “I have never seen anything like this before. Children and olderly people were all mutilated. It’s appalling.”

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko affirmed that 14 were killed in Kyiv and one in Odesa. Almost 100 people were injured in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv.

American Among the Dead, Infrastructure Damaged

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a 62-year-old American citizen died of shrapnel injuries. Schools and vital infrastructure also faced serious damage. President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the US and Europe to act firmly. “Such attacks are pure terrorism. Putin does this because he can afford to continue the war,” he declared.

Ukraine Strikes Back, Russia Claims Interceptions

Ukraine also launched drone attacks inside Russia. However, its strikes did not result in comparable civilian damage. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it intercepted 147 Ukrainian drones overnight, including over Moscow.

Despite two recent peace talks in Istanbul, Kyiv and Moscow have failed to reach a truce. Russian troops are advancing in eastern Ukraine and have opened a new front in the northeastern Sumy region.

US President Donald Trump, who previously vowed to “end the war quickly,” has urged for a ceasefire. His administration, though, has moved away from Kyiv and seems more open to Moscow’s version of events.

Trump Avoids Meeting Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is visiting Canada to attend the G7 summit, asked for stricter sanctions against Russia and greater weapons supplies. He had wished to see Trump but could not, as the US President departed the summit early in response to the Middle East crisis.

At the summit, Trump repeated his offer to reintegrate Russia into the G7. Interestingly, the bloc had expelled Russia in 2014 following its initial invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s policy shift, with vicious attacks like this one in Kyiv, shows deepening global fissures. As the conflict escalates, innocent civilians pay the highest price.

Russia Returns 1,200 Ukrainian War Dead In POW Swap, But Gets No Bodies Back

June 14, 2025, 9:19 pm

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war (POWs) on Saturday, as the Russian defense ministry confirmed, continuing agreements reached earlier this month in negotiations in Istanbul. In addition to the exchange of POWs, Russia also repatriated the remains of 1,200 Ukrainian troops who died during the conflict.

Ukraine authorities confirmed earlier on Saturday that they had received the remains of the dead soldiers, thanking them for their return. But Russian state media reports suggested that Moscow did not even receive the remains of any of its own dead in the exchange. This was consistent with a Friday statement by the Russian defence ministry, which said it had handed over the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv, but still had not received any of its own dead soldiers in return.

Information on the number of POWs that were exchanged has not been provided by Russian authorities. Nonetheless, video released by the Russian defence ministry indicated that groups of Russian troops were waving national flags and celebrating as they boarded buses in Belarus, where they are already undergoing medical treatment before being sent back to Russia.

The swap is viewed as a rare gesture of cooperation in the midst of a prolonged and acrid war, now more than two years old. Other prisoner exchanges have also taken place sporadically during the war, usually with the intervention of third countries or international organizations.

In spite of the humanitarian concession, unbalanced repatriation of war dead could further strain ties between the two countries, with Russia already commenting on the lack of its own troops’ remains in the new deal.

The Istanbul talks had centered on humanitarian issues, such as how POWs and slain soldiers were to be treated and repatriated. The two countries have sounded cautiously optimistic about extending similar exchanges under international supervision.

Tech transfer key to India’s defense autonomy

June 13, 2025, 2:14 am

In a significant development that could reshape the contours of India’s defense capabilities, Russia has offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su57 in India for the Indian Air Force. This innovative proposal, announced on June 4, 2025 represents the most comprehensive technology transfer deal ever offered to India in the defense sector. The Su-57E is the export variant of the Su-57. It consists of advanced radar systems, hides weapons inside internal bays instead of outside, and has a slanted shape that deflects radar waves. Its curved air intakes also block radar from seeing the engine blades. It has the capability for sustain supersonic flight without afterburners. It is designed with stealth features to make it harder for enemies to detect and is a comprehensive suite of weaponry optimized for air superiority and precision strike missions.

Together, these features reduce the jet’s radar and heat signatures, making it much harder to spot or track. It is considered a technologically mature and combat-proven platform that could potentially be integrated into the Indian Air Force with relative ease. Russia’s offer, which was presented by Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) at Aero India 2025, extends beyond a conventional supply and demand arrangement. It proposes joint production of the Su-57E at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility, where the Su-30MKI is already assembled. The Russian proposal includes a transfer of technology, which allows India to customize the aircraft with indigenous systems like AESA radars, avionics and weaponry.

This flexibility in the proposal aligns with the push for self-reliance with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, serving a catalyst for transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub for domestic defense production and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. With HAL’s established infrastructure, India could absorb the Su-57E technology rapidly, potentially delivering aircraft within a shorter timeline and will ensure that production and maintenance will not be affected by Western sanctions on Russia. Russia’s offer for India is three dimensional—it will commence the local production of Su-57E, upgrade the of Su-30MKI fighter jets with advanced technology, and will back and assist India towards its own fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

Russia has also offered to give India access to the Su57E’s software system, which is considered a game changer as such technological access is rarely given. Countries like US or France do not allow such access during the sale of their own fighter jets. The access to source codes reflects Russia’s openness with the offer and gives India more control, and directly responds to major concern India had during the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. Despite India’s repeated efforts through diplomatic channels, France refused to share the Rafale’s source code.

This refusal made it very difficult for India to fully customize the Rafale jets to its changing defense needs. It has also caused issues in integrating Indian-made weapons like the Astra missile and Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) onto the Rafale, despite ongoing cooperation between the two countries in other areas. If accepted, Russia’s offer could give India a major edge in future air combat and could potentially mark a turning point in the country’s efforts to modernize its air force. Pakistan’s deepening defense collaboration with its iron brother, and China’s latest foray into the fifthgeneration stealth fighter technology, India needs a strategic defense procurement to address the evolving air power landscape in the region. Amidst the persistent geopolitical tensions between India and China, and the reports of Pakistan potentially introducing two squadrons of China J-35 fighter jets into Pakistan Air Force by the close of 2025, can drastically alter the aerial military balance in South Asia. The J-35, also known as FC31 Gyrfalcon, positions China as a competitor to advanced aircraft like the American F-35. This acquisition of J-35 will augment Pakistan’s air combat strength, potentially challenging India’s existing air superiority. To counter this growing defense capability, the procurement and manufacturing of Russia’s Su-57E is essential.

Also, India’s own fifth-generation AMCA developed by Aeronautical Development Agency and Defence Research and Development Organisation, remains in early stages of development and is not expected to enter operational service before the mid of 2030s. This projected timeline may create a tactical airpower gap over the next five years, and the Russian Su-57E could potentially bridge the gap. While the offer looks promising, it faces significant obstacles.

The United States’s Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) poses a possibility of sanctions. As earlier seen with the India and Russia’s S-400 deal, which encountered challenges like facing delays due to payment mechanisms amidst western sanctions on Russia. With the absence of a robust payment mechanism, similar payment difficulties exist to handle a multi-billion-dollar Su-57 deal. Although, the anticipated thaw in U.S.-Russia relations under President Donald Trump may ease pressure of CAASTA sanctions, but significant uncertainties still persist, as any major defense transaction with Russia carries risk of sanctions. Also, Russia’s proposal to India comes at a time when the Unites States, is reportedly preparing to extend a proposal for the sale of own fifth-generation fighter, the F-35A. Washington sees this deal as a strategic opportunity to bolster India’s Air power capability in response to China’s growing belligerence in the Indo-Pacific.

However, for New Delhi, this marks crucial decision—whether to deepen its decades long defense partnership with Russia or to expand its security partnership with the U.S., which is seen as a key to countering China’s aggression and its strengthening ties with Pakistan. The proposal represents a strategic opportunity for India to gain deeper technological autonomy and greater freedom in shaping its defense posture. The Su57 deal could emerge as one of the most significant defense collaborations between India and Russia in the 21st century—potentially propelling India into the ranks of nations with the capability to produce fifth-generation fighter on their own ground. The author is a geopolitical analyst and a doctoral candidate at the Centre for the Study of the Americas at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Russia Offers to Remove Iran’s Excess Nuclear Material in Nuclear Impasse

June 11, 2025, 4:21 pm

Russia has assured that it is prepared to assist in the removal of surplus nuclear material from Iran. This is after Moscow is extending a hand of help to both the US and Tehran. This follows Russian Deputy FM Sergei Ryabkov’s suggestion to extract material and transform it into reactor fuel.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that readiness. The assistance will assist in de-escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

Moscow Signals Willingness to Mediate

Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov spearheaded the initiative. He informed Russian media that Moscow is still willing to assist “politically and practically.” Russia can provide Iran’s excess nuclear material for export and transform it into fuel for reactors, he said

The offer is Russia’s bid to ease tensions between the US and Iran. Moscow insists it endorses Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program and opposes the threat of military force

Kremlin Readies Practical Support

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the proposal on Wednesday. He indicated that Russia is ready to assist fully if Tehran and Washington are in agreement.

Russia’s intervention echoes its 2015 move under the initial nuclear deal, when it extracted spent fuel from Iran. It is still one of the few countries possessing both technical capability and political willingness to do so.

Disputes Over Enrichment Levels Continue

The core of the conflict lies in Iran’s uranium enrichment. Tehran maintains its right to enrich uranium for peaceful reasons. Washington, under President Trump, demands that Iran not gain nuclear weapons capability.

US proposals on enrichment were rejected by Iran’s Supreme Leader. In a recent TV speech, he termed them “100% against our interests.” Only willing to export uranium beyond the 2015 agreement threshold.

President Vladimir Putin said that his alliance with Iran makes Russia a mediator. He extended assistance to the US and Tehran during talks, Kremlin spokesman Peskov added. Moscow is not keen on a military confrontation. Ryabkov cautioned against reckless actions jeopardizing diplomacy and slammed any military action.

Way Ahead Through Cooperation?

Experts say a regional nuclear fuel consortium might break the stalemate. It would enable Iran to produce uranium within agreed-upon levels, with other nations providing reactor fuel. Russia favors this move. Russia believes these steps may help to restore trust and stabilize the agreement.

With Russia stepping in, the US–Iran nuclear crisis has acquired a functional bridge. If both Washington and Tehran agree, Russia could process Iran’s surplus uranium into harmless fuel. Whether this partnership defuses diplomatic tensions or delays is yet to be known. But Moscow’s technical solution could just push negotiations off the edge.

As Russian Strikes Escalate, US Scales Down Ukraine Military Aid

June 11, 2025, 1:27 pm

In the face of heightened Russian attacks against Ukraine, the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a decrease in military aid to the embattled nation. The action represents a dramatic change in Washington’s policy since the Trump administration has a varying view of the conflict compared to its predecessor.

In a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Hegseth validated that the next federal budget will include reductions in Ukraine-related military assistance. “This administration has a very different perspective about that conflict. We think a negotiated peaceful resolution is best for both sides and our national interest, particularly with all the competing interests in the world,” he added. He did not give specific numbers on the suggested cuts.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States had been Ukraine’s largest supporter under President Joe Biden, sending military assistance and equipment. Even though aid packages approved during the Biden administration and vetted by Congress keep being sent, the Trump administration has not announced any additional support initiatives yet.

Actually, it was reported just recently that former President Donald Trump diverted some 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally meant for Ukraine to U.S. troops deployed in West Asia. This disclosure was made while Russia significantly escalated aerial bombardments all over Ukraine.

On Sunday, Russia conducted what is likely the largest air attack of the war, launching 479 drones and 20 missiles against Ukrainian sites. This type of attack has killed dozens and heavily damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian zones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to the U.S. and its Western partners to supply air defense systems, even offering to buy them. Yet, Trump has condemned these appeals and rejected their need. He labeled Zelenskyy a ‘warmonger’ and doubted Ukraine’s motives.

President Zelenskyy and Crooked Joe Biden did a totally terrible job in letting this travesty get started. There were so many different ways of never letting it get started,” Trump explained in April, again blaming Biden, Zelenskyy, and NATO for instigating the war. He has accused Zelenskyy many times of always wanting to buy missiles, quoting Russian party lines and distancing his administration from Ukraine’s defense requirements.

This policy change and tone from Washington are happening at a key moment for Kyiv, as it struggles against relentless Russian belligerence and waning international backing.

Russia Pushes Deeper Into Ukraine As Zelenskyy Condemns Trump’s ‘Naive’ Peace View

June 9, 2025, 3:40 am

Russian troops have been said to have moved up to the borders of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk province, stepping up military action in spite of continued public disagreements about peace talks and bringing back the remains of dead soldiers. Russian Defence Ministry stated that troops from the 90th Tank Division are advancing in eastern Ukraine, after recent gains in the Donetsk province.

Kyiv’s Southern Defence Forces verified Russia’s efforts to advance westward but maintained that Ukrainian forces are holding firm. The disputed Dnipropetrovsk region, which had more than three million residents before the conflict, now experiences increasing threats with Moscow solidifying control. Russian forces have also captured more than 190 square km in Ukraine’s Sumy region within a month.

Even as violence intensified, both sides continued to blame one another for hindering humanitarian work. Russia accused Ukraine of holding up prisoner exchanges and not retrieving the bodies of more than 12,000 Ukrainian troops. Kyiv denied the allegation, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deeming Moscow responsible for politicizing the humanitarian exchange. Russia has started moving the bodies to the Bryansk border area.

Tensions were further fueled when former US President Donald Trump equated the war to a playground children’s squabble, eliciting stern criticism from Zelenskyy, who maintained that Putin was a “murderer,” not a playmate. Zelenskyy further threatened Russian possible retaliatory large-scale strikes for drone attacks by Ukraine.

Deep State map illustrates that Russia now occupies 18.8% of Ukraine territory, including Crimea and huge territories in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Peace eludes as Russia insists on the recognition of those territories, but Kyiv will not retreat.

Zelenskyy reiterated that only strong Western pressure could halt Moscow’s aggression. He emphasized the growing trust between him and Trump after a private meeting at the Vatican, though he criticized Trump’s perception of Putin’s intentions as naïve.

Russia Unleashes Hell On Kharkiv: Wave Of Explosions Marks ‘Most Powerful Attack’ Of Entire War

June 7, 2025, 11:54 pm

Russia launched a demoralizing barrage of strikes at Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, at the beginning of Saturday, killing a minimum of three individuals in what local authorities labeled as the heaviest barrage since the beginning of the all-out war. The attack, which occurred a day after a huge air bombardment throughout Ukraine, involved missiles, drones, and guided bombs.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported more than 40 explosions and described the strikes as “outright terror against peaceful Kharkiv.” Houses caught fire in residential buildings, among them a multi-storey apartment in the Osnovyanskyi district. A Kyivskyi district house was also damaged, raising the death toll to three.

In the late evening, Russia also fired a second round of missiles at civilian sites such as a children’s playground. Another individual was killed and 40 were hurt, including a 14-year-old girl and an infant afflicted with acute stress.

President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the attacks as “pure terrorism,” highlighting the lack of any logic for a military action. He appealed for greater international action against Russia, asserting that Moscow’s impunity energizes its aggression.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it had attained its goals, asserting that it attacked Ukrainian military installations with high-precision weapons. Prosecutors acknowledged the employment of more than 50 drones, bombs, and missiles, causing damage to administrative and educational facilities.

Russia at the same time accused Ukraine of indefinitely delaying a scheduled prisoner and bodies exchange. Ukraine in turn accused Russia of not adhering to previously agreed procedures.

During the mayhem, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed a Russian Su-35 fighter aircraft off the coast of Kursk. Russia has not officially reacted, even though its military bloggers have confirmed an aircraft loss.

Friday’s huge drone and missile attack of Ukrainian territories, allegedly in reprisal for Ukraine’s successful missile carrier drone attack on Russian missiles, killed no less than six. U.S. President Trump, following a conversation with Vladimir Putin, threatened more escalation.

Russia Launches Devastating Strikes Across Ukraine; 3 Dead, Dozens Injured

June 6, 2025, 4:58 pm

A wave of Russian drone and missile strikes hit Kyiv and several Ukrainian cities on Friday, killing three emergency workers and injuring at least 49. President Zelensky condemned the attack and called on the international community to take decisive action.

Ukraine was rocked by a major aerial offensive from Russia early Friday, with missiles and drones targeting the capital, Kyiv, as well as cities in the northwest including Lutsk and the Ternopil region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least three people who were employees of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service were killed and 49 injured, though officials warned that casualty numbers may rise.

The strikes, which included more than 400 drones and over 40 missiles, disrupted civilian infrastructure and forced thousands into shelters. Kyiv’s metro system was shut down after shelling damaged train tracks, and a residential building was reportedly struck. Air raid sirens and loud explosions echoed through the capital for hours, as bursts of machine-gun fire signaled Ukrainian air defenses attempting to intercept incoming drones.

According to Ukraine’s air force, 38 cruise missiles were used in the attack which were similar to those targeted in Kyiv’s recent ‘Spider’s Web’ operation against Russian military bases suggesting Moscow’s assault may be a retaliatory gesture.

Zelensky Urges West to Respond

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), President Zelensky accused Russia of escalating the conflict and urged the West to act swiftly, he said “Now is exactly the moment when America, Europe, and everyone around the world can stop this war together by pressuring Russia.”

While not naming former U.S. President Donald Trump directly, Zelensky appeared to criticise international actors hesitant to pressure the Kremlin, he said, “If someone is not applying pressure and is giving the war more time to take lives that is complicity and accountability. We must act decisively.”
The Kremlin, in response, justified its assault as retaliation for recent “terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime”, claiming it had targeted military infrastructure.

Elsewhere, Ternopil’s military administration reported that Friday’s bombardment was the largest aerial attack on the region to date, with five people wounded and damage sustained by schools, homes, and government buildings. Lutsk’s mayor confirmed another five injuries following an attack involving 15 drones and six missiles.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed that its own air defences shot down 174 Ukrainian drones overnight in Russian territory and Crimea. It also reported intercepting Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles over the Black Sea.

Rising Tensions After ‘Spider’s Web’ Operation

Friday’s escalation follows Ukraine’s bold long-range drone campaign earlier this week, dubbed the “Spider’s Web” operation, which targeted four Russian airbases and reportedly damaged 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile fleet. Ukrainian officials described the attack as one of their most ambitious yet, involving 117 drones launched by the SBU security service.

Peace talks between the two countries, held recently in Istanbul, concluded without a breakthrough. Ukrainian representatives accused Moscow of rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire, while Russian negotiators proposed only limited, temporary truces in unspecified areas.

Adding to the international spotlight, former President Trump revealed he had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Wednesday. According to Trump, Putin vowed to respond “very strongly” to Ukraine’s drone offensive. Trump, who has faced criticism over his stance on Russia, warned that he would reevaluate the U.S. approach if Moscow continued to delay peace efforts.

Musk Threatens to Pull Dragon Capsule, Leaving NASA Reliant on Russia

June 6, 2025, 2:54 pm

In an intensifying war of words on social media, Elon Musk threatened on Thursday to retire the Dragon spacecraft, a critical vehicle for carrying astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). The announcement was made after Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, said he would end government contracts with Musk’s SpaceX and Starlink services. Musk reacted on X, declaring: “SpaceX will start decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft right away.”

It is unclear how sincere Musk’s comment was. But the Dragon capsule, built with government support, is now a critical tool in keeping ISS running. NASA depends not only on SpaceX to send crews to the station but also on it to carry out science missions and eventually lunar missions.

Dragon Capsule: NASA’s Lifeline to ISS

Currently, SpaceX is the sole US company that can transport astronauts to and from the ISS on its four-seat Dragon capsules. Boeing’s competitor, the Starliner, has completed only one crewed flight—also plagued with problems. The two NASA astronauts who flew aboard the Starliner in June 2023 were forced to come back on a SpaceX spacecraft in March 2024 after being stuck for more than nine months.

While the Starliner remains on the ground, NASA is considering whether to execute a second test flight that will carry only cargo. SpaceX’s Dragon capsules also accommodate private missions, such as a forthcoming one sponsored by Houston-based Axiom Space. Cargo versions of Dragon continue to resupply the lab in orbit.

Russia Becomes the Only Backup

If Musk carries out his threat, NASA’s only alternative for crew transport would be Russia’s Soyuz capsules, which transport three astronauts together. In a barter agreement, each Soyuz launch has one NASA astronaut and two Russians, and each SpaceX launch has a Russian cosmonaut. In this arrangement, both American and Russian personnel are on every spacecraft in case of an emergency return.

SpaceX’s debut in crewed spaceflight in 2020 was a turning point for NASA, lowering U.S. dependence on expensive Russian seats that once cost tens of millions of dollars. Crew transport is only one facet of NASA’s use of Russian and Northrup Grumman spacecraft; the agency also employs them for cargo flights.

Wider SpaceX-NASA Relations

Aside from ISS missions, SpaceX is now an integral part of several government space missions. SpaceX launches scientific satellites and military payloads for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense on a regular basis. In a major contract last year, SpaceX was designated to safely deorbit the ISS when the time arrives.

NASA has also enlisted the use of SpaceX’s enormous Starship rocket to send astronauts to the moon on future Artemis missions. While Starship recently finished its ninth test flight last week, it crashed in mid-air and broke apart showing the dangers of depending on a single provider.

Putin Says Russia Will Respond to Ukraine’s Drone Strike After Phone Call With Trump

June 5, 2025, 5:24 pm

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump had a phone call that lasted 75 minutes, Moscow announced that it would decide when and how to respond to Ukraine’s major drone attack on its airbases.

The Kremlin stated that Russia’s military will take action at a time of its choosing. This response comes after Ukraine launched a large drone operation against Russian targets under the name Operation Spider’s Web.

Putin Signals Retaliation in Conversation With Trump

During the phone call, President Putin expressed strong displeasure over Ukraine’s drone assault and told Trump that Moscow would respond. Trump shared details of the conversation on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” Trump wrote.

He added, “The call lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.” Later, AFP reported that the Kremlin confirmed a military response would happen “as and when our military deems it appropriate.”

What Was Operation Spider’s Web?

Operation Spider’s Web was a secret drone mission executed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) as part of its ongoing war with Russia. The operation was launched on June 1, targeting multiple airbases and aircraft spread across Russian territory.

According to the SBU, over 40 Russian bombers were destroyed. These aircraft were allegedly used regularly for airstrikes against Ukrainian cities, especially Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that this operation was the result of 18 months and nine days of planning before it was finally carried out.

Russia Strikes Back in Ukraine

Just hours after the Trump-Putin call, Russia launched retaliatory strikes in Ukraine, killing at least five civilians. Six Russian drones hit a residential area in Pyluky, killing five people including a one-year-old child.

President Zelenskyy said that overnight, Russia launched 103 drones and one ballistic missile toward various Ukrainian regions. The areas hit included Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odessa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Kherson.

Russian Strike Kills 5, Including 1-Year-Old, Hours After Trump-Putin Call

June 5, 2025, 3:06 pm

A Russian drone bombing of the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky in the early hours of Thursday killed at least five individuals, including a one-year-old boy, his mother, and grandmother, Ukrainian authorities reported.

The attack happened during about 5:30 a.m. local time, when six drones attacked a residential area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the dead child was the grandson of a rescue worker. “One of the rescuers came to respond to the consequences exactly at his own residence,” Zelenskyy posted on Telegram. “It turned out a Shahed drone struck his house.”

Official sources announced six other individuals were hurt in the attack and are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The crippling attack occurred hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump alleged Putin threatened that Russia would “retaliate strongly” over Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian airbases.

Pryluky, a city approximately 100 kilometers to the east of Kyiv, with around 50,000 inhabitants prior to the conflict, is well away from the front lines and does not have any reported military installations.

In his declaration, Zelenskyy pointed out that 103 drones and one ballistic missile hit different regions of Ukraine during the night, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Kherson. “It is another mass strike,” he mentioned. “It is another reason to impose the strongest possible sanctions and exert pressure collectively.”

Zelenskyy, who recently signed on to a U.S.-supported ceasefire proposal and indicated he was willing to sit down with Putin in an effort to revive stalled talks, has been calling on the international community to ramp up sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin, however, has remained unresponsive to overtures or compromise, with Putin said to be unwilling to sit down with Zelenskyy.

Persistent U.S. diplomatic efforts have only so far produced limited results in bringing the three-year war to a close, with the war raged on as a drawn-out war of attrition.

In the meantime, Germany’s new leader, Friedrich Merz, was set to meet Trump in Washington on Thursday to reaffirm U.S. backing for Ukraine’s military and diplomatic efforts.

As part of Ukraine’s effort to garner more international support, presidential aide Andriy Yermak traveled to Washington on Wednesday and had high-level American officials meet with him. In a statement posted on Ukraine’s presidential site, Yermak demanded stepped-up pressure on Russia, blaming Moscow for delaying peace negotiations and obstructing ceasefires. He also made a plea for Ukraine’s urgent need for more sophisticated air defense systems.

‘Only hours after the Pryluky attack, there was another drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, in which 17 individuals including children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman were injured’, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported Telegram.

At approximately 1:05 a.m., Shahed drones hit two apartment complexes in Kharkiv’s Slobidskyi district, resulting in fires and destroying private cars. “By carrying out attacks while citizens sleep in their apartments, the enemy again confirms its tactic of treacherous terror,” Syniehubov wrote.

Moreover, four large glide bombs were released by Russian planes on Kherson in the south, injuring at least three individuals, local authorities confirmed.

Trump Says Putin Promised Fierce Payback After Ukraine’s Airfield Strikes On Russia

June 5, 2025, 1:15 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed US President Donald Trump on Wednesday that Russia would have to react toughly to recent Ukrainian drone attacks, Trump said. The two presidents spoke about Russian airfield attacks and other military operations by both sides, but Trump characterized the discussion as “good” though not likely to result in an immediate peace deal.

Putin was said to have insisted that Russia “will have to respond” to Ukraine’s attacks on its air bases. Previously, Moscow had said that military options were “on the table” as a response to strikes deep within Russian territory. Russia also blamed Western nations, led by the US and Britain, for complicity and urged them to rein in Kyiv.

In spite of the attacks, Ukrainian authorities celebrated the strikes as evidence Kyiv can still hold out after over three years of war. Western authorities stated they had not been informed about the weekend attacks on Russian nuclear-capable bombers before their occurrence.

Putin also questioned peace talks in a televised session with top officials. He denounced recent bombings of bridges in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions, killing seven and injuring more than 100. The bridge bombings, carried out just before peace negotiations in Turkey, hit civilian targets, Russian investigators say.

Putin condemned the leadership in Kyiv as having degenerated into a “terrorist organization,” classifying its foreign patrons as accomplices. “The regime of current Kyiv does not desire peace,” he claimed, deeming the negotiations with people “who are based on terror” pointless. He threatened that a ceasefire will only be used by the West to re-equip Ukraine.

Ukraine has made no statements regarding the bridge attacks. The rising rhetoric reflects the increasing distrust and problems which face any hope of peace between the two countries.