📰 Putin rebuffs Trump in call, vows to press on with Ukraine war
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his refusal to end the war in Ukraine until Russia achieves its goals, despite a call with President Trump. Putin aims to eliminate root causes leading to the conflict and will not back down. Former National Security Advisor highlights Putin’s attempt to manipulate Trump over Ukraine, claiming Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as a threat. The White House did not immediately respond to Putin’s intentions to continue the war. Pentagon’s pause on weapons to Ukraine could embolden Putin, according to security experts, potentially escalating the conflict. Putin and Trump also discussed the Middle East situation, emphasizing diplomatic resolutions.
📰 Violent criminal gangs have ‘near-total control’ of nation’s capital, UN says
Haiti’s criminal gangs have gained significant control over the capital, with an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince under their influence, leading to escalating violence that is pushing the nation towards a crisis. Gangs are now expanding into previously peaceful areas, including southern Haiti and eastern regions, exploiting land routes and targeting police and customs officials. The absence of a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 has allowed gangs to increase their power, with a U.N. report highlighting how political turmoil and a disorganized security response have hindered efforts to address the situation. The U.N. warns that without increased international action, the collapse of state presence in the capital could become a real possibility, as gangs continue to strengthen their foothold. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare, with the Trump administration designating two powerful gang networks as foreign terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the violence.
📰 Top Russia Navy commander killed in region bordering Ukraine
A top Russian Navy commander, Major Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, was killed in combat operations near Ukraine. Gudkov had been appointed to his position by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March. It is unclear how Gudkov was killed, but unofficial sources suggest he was hit by a Ukrainian missile attack. Gudkov had a significant military background, having led the Russian Pacific Fleet’s 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade and participated in operations in North Caucasus and Syria. He was accused by Ukrainian officials of war crimes in the past. The U.S. has paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine due to low munitions reserves, a decision that could impact Putin’s war ambitions.
📰 Iran nuclear program set back 2 years after US strikes: Pentagon
The Pentagon confirmed that the “bunker busting” bombs dropped on Iranian nuclear sites by U.S. forces have set back Tehran’s atomic program by up to two years. Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell stated that intel assessments indicate a degradation of Iran’s nuclear capability, potentially impacting their ambition to build a bomb. Despite this, experts believe Iran may still pursue nuclear weapons. The success of the strikes on Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites was viewed positively, contrasting earlier estimates on the extent of Iran’s atomic capabilities degradation. There are concerns that Iran could resume uranium enrichment soon, with reports of potential movement of enriched uranium stockpiles and centrifuges at the Fordow site. The U.S. denies Iran successfully relocating its nuclear capabilities, while Israel continues to monitor the situation. Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi acknowledged severe damage to the Fordow facility but insisted that the technology remains intact. The U.S. believes the facilities have been obliterated, contradicting Iran’s claims.
📰 Rep. Eugene Vindman is ‘furious’ about US pause on weapons to Ukraine
Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman expressed anger over the Pentagon’s decision to halt critical weapons shipments to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and artillery, which he believes endangers Ukrainian lives and territory. He emphasized the Ukrainian people’s fierce resistance against Putin’s invasion and called for ensuring Ukrainian partners have necessary support in their fight for freedom. The pause in weapons shipments, confirmed by Fox News, has raised concerns about potentially emboldening and escalating Putin’s ambitions. The decision to freeze shipments was driven by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby due to dangerously low reserves of munitions in U.S. stockpiles, with weapons already staged in Poland before the order was issued. The Pentagon’s review revealed insufficient stockpiles of Patriot interceptors and 155 mm shells, prompting the Army to increase procurement targets, though replenishment is expected to take time.
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