Category: Russia

ANALYSIS: Nuclear Plant Explosion Fears Follow Tense Month in Russia–China–US Relations

Global headlines this weekend warned of a possible, Russia-provoked explosion at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Citing Ukrainian intelligence, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of a “serious threat” at the Russian-occupied nuclear plant. Ukraine has been holding drills to prepare for a potential radioactive disaster should Russia blow up the plant. The tense situation follows…


Russian Media Watchdog Blacklists Outlets Linked to Wagner Mercenary Chief

Russia’s media watchdog blacklisted at least five media outlets affiliated with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and blocked their websites in Russia. The move came after Wagner fighters took control of a Russian military headquarters and advanced on Moscow in what appears to have been an attempted insurrection. As of Saturday, websites of the RIA…


Russia Launches First Overnight Drone Attack on Kyiv in 12 Days: Ukrainian Military

Russia launched an overnight drone attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region after a 12-day break, with air defence systems destroying all the weapons on their approach, Ukrainian military officials said on Sunday. The country’s air force said that the attack included eight Iranian-made Shahed drones and three cruise missiles which were shot down. “Another…


ANALYSIS: China–Russia Coalition ‘Has Cracked’ After Wagner Mutiny

Short-lived as it was, the Wagner rebellion has brought an impact rippling far beyond Russian borders. It could be the beginning of the end for the coalition that Beijing led with Moscow against the free world, some analysts have said. In a dramatic 24 hours, the paramilitary group captured world attention as it took over…


Japan Reports Spotting 2 Russian Ships Near Taiwan, Okinawa for Days

Two Russian frigates were spotted sailing off the waters near Taiwan and Japanese-controlled Okinawa islands between June 27 and June 30, Japan’s military said, amid rising tensions in the region. Japan’s Joint Staff said the two Steregushchy-class frigates were first detected 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of the Yonaguni island in Okinawa prefecture near Taiwan…


The US Is Considering Providing Cluster Munitions to Ukraine, Says America’s Top Military Officer

WASHINGTON—The United States is considering providing cluster munitions to Ukraine, the top American military officer said Friday. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. has been thinking about providing the munitions “for a long time.” He noted that Russian troops are using them on the battlefield in Ukraine…


Has the West Already Lost Control of Its Most Vital Sea Route?

Commentary U.S. and Western influence over the critical Red Sea/Suez Canal sea lines of communication (SLOC) is now estimated to be at its lowest ebb in more than a century, even when the USSR had a period of presence during the Cold War. Russia and China, although suffering from their own strategic constraints, have made…


Russia Will Emerge from Mutiny ‘Stronger,’ Moscow’s Top Diplomat Asserts

Russia will emerge from the turmoil caused by last week’s aborted mutiny “stronger,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. “Russia has always emerged stronger from difficulties,” Moscow’s top diplomat said at a June 30 online press briefing.  “This will be the case this time,” he added. “We already feel that this has begun.” On…


The Wagner Revolt Leaves Losers Worldwide

Commentary A suspect deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and mercenary commander Yevgeny Prigozhin ended the short-lived but stunning Wagner Revolt. Revolt it was. The Wagner force took Rostov, a major city and the site of the Russian Army’s headquarters for the Ukraine War. A Wagner flying column with tanks and mechanized infantry rolled toward…


Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action Ignites Debate Over Equality

According to the Supreme Court’s latest ruling, race is no longer a factor in college admissions. How could this decision impact students across the country, and how is President Joe Biden reacting? Worsened air quality in Washington and across much of the upper portion of the United States is leading to renewed calls for a climate…