Author: Rachel Amran
The French far-right National Rally has emerged victorious in the first round of France’s parliamentary election on June 30, according to exit polls. President Emmanuel Macron had called for snap elections after a disappointing European Parliament defeat in June. The National Rally secured 34.2% of the vote, outperforming Macron’s party which received only 20%. However, the party may fall short of an absolute majority in the 577-seat lower house. If elected, Jordan Bardella of National Rally is set to become prime minister, pledging continued support for Ukraine through defense equipment. He opposes sending troops or long-range weapons to Ukraine. Bardella’s…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once Russian forces suffered major losses in Ukraine in June, with the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces revealing that 33,700 Russian soldiers, 350 tanks, and 58 air defense systems were destroyed. Ukraine’s military targeted over 330 enemy areas, including bases and ammunition warehouses. The General Staff’s report highlighted the destruction of 352 tanks, 58 air defense systems, three aircraft, and 1,758 military vehicles by Russian forces. The conflict intensified with Russia’s offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in intense fighting in Vovchansk. Despite initial…
A recent call from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania urges the European Union to create a defense line along its border with Russia and Belarus to counter military threats. The joint letter emphasizes the need for EU countries to commit political and financial support to build this defense infrastructure. The estimated cost of constructing this defense line is around 2.5 billion euros, with suggestions to align it with NATO’s requirements. This move comes amidst growing concerns about Russian sabotage operations in Europe aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas highlighted concerns about Russia’s “shadow war” on…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once The United States and allies are debating Ukraine’s NATO membership commitment at the upcoming 75th anniversary summit in Washington. U.S. officials face criticism for not aligning with countries closer to Russia’s preferences. Ukrainian officials hope for a clearer signal in this meeting after not receiving a definitive invitation last year. Proposals are circulating to give Ukraine a “bridge” to NATO rather than an “irreversible path.” Not all allies agree on the language, particularly Hungary. Central European countries express disappointment with the lack of…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for consequences against China for its support of Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Despite China’s neutral stance officially, the strengthening ties between Beijing and Moscow raise concerns. Stoltenberg emphasized that China cannot continue to support Russia while maintaining good relations with the West. The NATO summit scheduled for July will include discussions with Indo-Pacific countries amid the growing partnership between Russia and China. Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones target industrial facilities in 3 Russian…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation confirmed the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian A-50 aircraft, killing ten crew members over the Azov Sea in February. This incident marks another blow to Russia’s military capabilities in the ongoing war with Ukraine. The A-50 provides critical functions such as detecting air defense systems and coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. The recent uptick in downed Russian planes includes a Su-25 fighter jet and an Il-22 control center damaged by Ukrainian forces.…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once The European Union is ramping up its production of projectiles to match Russia by 2025, according to EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. Despite previous shortcomings, the EU aims to produce 1.7 million projectiles annually by the end of this year and reach a capacity of 2.5 million projectiles per year in 2025. Russia’s ability to produce artillery shells at a faster rate and lower cost than Ukraine’s allies has raised concerns. The EU’s recent adoption of the European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS)…
Russian forces have recently strengthened their air defense system with the installation of the latest S-500 in occupied Crimea. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov confirmed this development on June 12, stating that the newest elements of the S-500 have been deployed in the region. Ukraine’s military has taken action against Russia’s air defenses, destroying two radars of the S-300 and S-400 systems in several areas of occupied Crimea. This marks the second attack on Russia’s air defenses in a week, with successful strikes reported near Dzhankoi, Chornomorske, and Yevpatoria. The S-500 system is designed to intercept short- to medium-range…
The threat of increasing nuclear tensions looms as the United States considers bolstering its strategic nuclear weapons in response to growing provocations from countries like China and Russia. Pranay Vaddi, the White House’s senior director for arms control, highlighted the need for preparedness at a recent meeting, citing the escalating nuclear strategies of these adversaries. As Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran continue to expand their nuclear arsenals at an alarming rate, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to ensure deterrence and protection for allies. The threat of nuclear weapons being deployed in space and advanced missile technologies being shared among…
Ukraine has made significant updates to its military registration and mobilization regulations, allowing Ukrainian conscripts and reservists living abroad for more than three months to register for military service at foreign consulates. This decision by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry was announced on June 7, following the Cabinet of Ministers’ update on military registration procedures. Previously, individuals in this category needed to visit a military registration office in Ukraine, but now they can register at a Ukrainian consulate in their respective foreign countries. These changes align with Ukraine’s efforts to enhance its legal framework around conscription and mobilization, with President Volodymyr Zelensky…