Trump envoy Richard Grenell secures freedom for 6 Americans following meeting with Maduro in Venezuela

"Following a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas to discuss, in part, the release of Americans being held in the country, Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump’s envoy for special missions announced on X Friday night that he was returning to the U.S. with six of them.
"They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and they couldn’t stop thanking him," Grenell said in his post without identifying the six men, four of whom were dressed in light-blue Venezuelan prison outfits.
It’s been reported that at least nine Americans have been held by Venezuela where Maduro’s officials have accused most of them of being involved in terrorism or acting as "mercenaries."
On a call earlier on Friday with reporters, Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. special envoy on Latin America, said that "American hostages need to be released immediately, unequivocally." 

FOX

Ukrainian Media Outlet Leaks Alleged Trump Plan To End The War

"The Ukrainian news outlet Strana has published leaked details of President Trump’s alleged plan to end the war in Ukraine in 100 days.

According to Newsweek, which said it couldn’t verify if the details were accurate, the plan starts with holding a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in late January or early February, followed by meetings with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February or March.
The leaked plan calls for a ceasefire to be declared by Easter, which falls on April 20. The truce would involve Ukraine withdrawing troops from Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
Once the ceasefire comes into effect, a peace conference will begin hammering out the details of a lasting agreement. The plan calls for a deal to be reached by May 9.
Once the details of the agreement are released, Ukraine will be instructed to end martial law and mobilization. That would mean Zelensky could lose power since his presidential term expired in May 2024, and he used martial law as the justification for not holding new elections. The plan would require allowing parties who oppose continuing the war with Russia to run for office." 

ZeroHedge

Ukrainian troops massacred, tortured and raped civilians in Russian village

"A Ukrainian military unit raped and killed eight women and murdered at least 14 other civilians in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye, a captured Ukrainian soldier has admitted during interrogation by Russian investigators.

Russkoye Porechnoye, home to around 300 people, fell under Kiev’s control in August last year during a Western-backed incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region. Russian forces liberated the settlement earlier this month, where they discovered decomposing corpses of civilians stashed in basements throughout the village.
Russian Investigative Committee released new evidence on the massacre, including footage of the interrogation of Yevgeny Fabrisenko, a soldier with the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade. Fabrisenko stated that he was deployed to the village on September 28 alongside his immediate commander and two other soldiers.
According to Fabrisenko, their company commander explicitly ordered them to “cleanse” the village of Russian civilians. The unit remained in Russkoye Porechnoye until October 3, during which they raided homes, raped women, and executed men on sight. Those who resisted were tortured and killed, he admitted." RT

150 battles on frontline, most intense fighting in Pokrovsk sector

"150 combat clashes were recorded on the frontline between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders.
In the Kharkiv sector, one combat clash with the Russian invaders occurred near Lyptsi. The enemy did not carry out any offensive actions.
In the Kupiansk sector, the Ukrainian forces stopped three enemy attacks in the areas of Petropavlivka, Zahryzove, and Nova Kruhliakivka.

The number of combat clashes in the Lyman sector reached 11. The main efforts of the invaders were concentrated in the areas of the settlements of Kopanky, Novoliubivka, Balka Zhuravka, Yampolivka, Zelena Dolyna, Terny, and Kolodiazi.
In the Siversk sector, the enemy attacked the Ukrainian positions in the areas of Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamianske nine times.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 10 enemy attempts to advance near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Stupochky, Chasiv Yar, and Predtechyne.
In the Toretsk sector, the Russian forces attempted to break through the Ukrainian defenses 13 times near Toretsk, Dyliivka, Shcherbynivka, and Krymske.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Ukrainian defenders repelled 71 attacks. The Russians attempted to advance near the settlements of Malynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Vodiane Druhe, Novotoretske, Andriivka, Zvyrove, Promin, Pokrovsk, Lysivka, Novoukrainka, Udachne, Yasenove, Shevchenko, and Dachne.
Ukraine’s Defense Forces continue to hold the enemy back in the Novopavlivka sector. In the areas of Kostiantynopil and Rozlyv, the invaders attempted to break through the defensive lines twice.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Russian forces attacked the areas of Novopil and Novosilka four times.
The Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attacks by the Russian invaders in the Prydniprovske sector.
In the Kursk sector, 11 combat clashes occurred, the Russian air forces carried out 17 airstrikes using 22 guided bombs, and more than 360 artillery shellings, including three from multiple launch rocket systems.
The Russian forces conducted airstrikes, particularly in the areas of the settlements of Hremiachka, Hremiach, Kozacha Lopan, Nova Kruhliakivka, Lyman, Dronivka, Siversk, Fedorivka, Tykhonivka, Bilokuzmynivka, Shcherbynivka, Ivanopillia, Dyliivka, Kleban-Byk, Katerynivka, Bilytske, Molodetske, Rozlyv, Komar, Ternove, Temyrivka, Zelenyi Pole." Ukrin

“An Extremely Violent Global Pandemic” – Mysterious Disease Wipes Out Sea Urchins Worldwide

“This is an extremely violent global pandemic. The Caribbean, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean are critical regions for the world’s coral reefs, and mortality rates for sea urchins in these areas are very high — over 90 percent. As of now, we have no evidence of this pathogen in Pacific

Ocean sea urchins (where some of the world’s largest and most vital coral reefs are located), but this is something we are actively investigating. This discovery raises concerns that the waterborne ciliate could spread to the Pacific Ocean. Researchers warn that the outbreak is a highly aggressive global pandemic and are leading an international initiative to monitor the disease and protect sea urchins, which are essential for maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems." SciTechDaily

Russia claims nuclear plant targeted during massive Ukrainian drone attack

"A nuclear power plant was among targets during a massive Ukrainian

drone attack, Russian officials have said.
Moscow said on Wednesday that the country’s energy infrastructure had come under attack by at least 100 drones overnight. Ukraine also reported strikes. According to preliminary information, one of the drones was shot down during an attempt to attack a nuclear power facility." AJ

America's Heartland rocked by earthquake felt in several US states

"Yellowstone National Park was rocked by an earthquake last night, sparking fears its supervolcano could be awakening.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) detected a magnitude 3.9 quake near Norris Geyser Basin, considered the Yellowstone Volcano, Tuesday at 8pm ET.
Seismic activity was felt in parts of Idaho, Montana and western Wyoming.
The USGS reported three aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.0 to 3.7 in just several hours following the initial quake. The Norris Geyser Basin is located at the intersection of two faults that slip past each other, producing random earthquakes. Researchers analyzing the supervolcano's crater, or caldera, found magma inside is moving northeast and shifting the concentration of volcanic activity along with it. If the supervolcano erupted in one 'big bang,' some have suggested that the explosion could be equivalent to 875,000 megatons of TNT (million tons)." DailyMail

Russian man detained on suspicion of committing terrorist acts for Ukraine

"A Russian man has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out a series of sabotage and

terrorist acts on behalf of the Ukrainian intelligence services, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has said.
The suspect, who is in his mid-forties, performed arson attacks against military and civilian infrastructure in Russia between 2023 and 2024, the FSB said in a statement on Thursday.
His targets included a military tractor vehicle undergoing repairs, a railway relay cabinet, a cell phone tower, and a warehouse of a civilian firm manufacturing products for the Russian Defense Ministry." RT

Black Hawk Helicopter Collides With Commercial Jet Near Reagan National Airport, Explosion Caught On Camera ... Trump Thanks First Responders for ‘Incredible Work’

"A mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional jet near Reagan International Airport in DC was caught on camera from the Kennedy Center Wednesday night, prompting a massive response from fire, EMS, and police. According to Fox's Chad Pergram, the jet was a PSA Airlines Bombadier CRJ700 regional jet which was on approach to runway 33 at Reagan Airport. It was reportedly carrying 64 individuals, including four

crew members. There is no information at this time on casualties, however four individuals have reportedly been rescued and have been transported to the North Boathouse Fire Station at the airport. There were three individuals on the Black Hawk which was operating out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia, according to the Army. DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.
Any survivors in the water could be at risk, according to the NY Times, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in the Washington area tonight. According to the National Weather Service, hypothermia can kick in within 20-30 minutes in cold water.
According to Flightradar24, the Black Hawk helicopter was not broadcasting its ADS-B data at the time of the crash. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services posted to X shortly after 9 p.m. that a small aircraft was down in the Potomac River near the airport, and that boats managed by the fire department were on the scene.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” Trump said in a statement. “May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.” ZeroHedge

158 clashes in past day, fiercest battles in Pokrovsk axis

"158 combat engagements have been reported, with the most active fighting recorded in the Pokrovsk direction where Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled 72 Russian assaults.
In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy ran no offensive operations.
In the Kupyansk direction, 10 Russian attacks were recorded. The defense forces repelled the assaults near Petropavlivka, Novo-osynove, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Lozova.
In the Lyman direction, the Russians attacked 26 times, trying to advance near Novoyehorivka, Kopanky, Makiivka, Novoliubivka, Torske, Yampolivka, and Zelena Dolyna.

In the Siversk direction, Russian troops attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders six times near the settlement of Verkhniokamianske.
In the Kramatorsk direction, 10 clashes were recorded in the areas of Novomarkove, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
In the Toretsk direction, the enemy launched 15 attacks near the settlements of Krymske and Toretsk.
In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders held back 72 Russian assault and offensive efforts in the areas of Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Lysivka, Vidrodzhennia, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Udachne, Kotliarivka, Andriivka, Dachne, and Ulakly.
In the Novopavlivka direction, Russian troops carried out six attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops near the settlements of Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, and Novo-ocheretuvate.
In the Hulyaipole, Orikhiv, and Prydniprovia directions, the enemy ran no assault missions, while pursuing strikes on Ukraine’s positions and civil infrastructure, employing all available types of weapons, actively using attack UAVs.
In the Kursk direction, the Defense Forces repelled eight Russian attacks. The enemy launched 19 airstrikes involving 35 guided bombs, and also carried out 426 artillery strikes on the positions of Ukrainian troops and at local settlements, 12 of which involving MLR systems.
No signs of enemy offensive groups being formed were detected in the Volyn and Polissia directions.
On the border with Russia in Chernihiv and Sumy regions, the enemy actively employed artillery and UAVs from across the border line." Ukrin

Putin: Russia Ready to Pick Negotiators for Direct Talks With Zelensky, But He Can't Sign Peace Deal

"Zelensky signed a decree outlawing peace negotiations with Moscow in 2022, months after the West sabotaged a ready peace treaty to pursue an all-out proxy war against Russia.

President Putin has expressed readiness to find negotiators to speak directly with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Under Ukrainian law, the end of the president's term means his powers are transferred to the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada parliament, and in accordance with the Constitution, even martial law does not give him the right to extend his authority, Putin said.
Zelensky's powers officially ran out last spring, but he remained in office after cancelling elections, citing martial law." Sputnik

Chaos On Border: Mexican Cartels Fire At US Border Patrol Agents

"Chaos erupted along the US-Mexico border on Monday when cartel members opened fire on US Border Patrol agents. This incident came just one week after President Trump ramped up border security efforts, deployed the military, and formally designated cartels as foreign

terrorist organizations. Texas DPS releases drone footage showing the cartel gunmen suspected of shooting at US Border Patrol agents in the RGV earlier today. The men can be seen armed with rifles, and appear to aim at the TX DPS drone.
More than 10,000 US troops are being deployed to the southern border to restore national security following globalist policies under the Biden-Harris regime. These policies resulted in a ten million unvetted migrant invasion into the US from third-world countries." ZeroHedge

White House Clarifies 'Dronegate': New Jersey UAPs Authorized By FAA For "Research Purposes"

"White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided much-needed transparency regarding the "dronegate" incident that sparked nationwide concerns over potential threats from China and Russia.

In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Leavitt said the drones spotted over New Jersey and New York in December had been authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for "research purposes."
"An update on the New Jersey drones. After research and study, the drones flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons. Many of these drones are hobbyist and recreational drones that enjoy flying drones," Leavitt said during her press conference.
She concluded on the drone subject: "This was not the enemy."
Drone gate appears to be a manufactured crisis that cluttered news feeds and headlines with nonsense. One X user commented on Leavitt's press conference: "Seems like an easy thing to say out loud… Weird this was kept under such secrecy. Transparency is beautiful." ZeroHedge

Russia’s plot to kill Rheinmetall CEO exposed by NATO

"Russia planned to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, NATO official James

Appathurai revealed. Speaking at the European Parliament, Appathurai said Russia had planned assassinations of defense industry leaders across Europe, including Papperger.
He also noted that Russians recruit individuals online, using “criminal groups, unsuspecting youth, or migrants” to carry out their crimes. According to Appathurai, the sabotage campaign included “train derailments, arson, attacks on politicians’ property, and threats to assassinate industry leaders, such as Rheinmetall’s CEO, among other plots.” NV

US F-35 slams into runway and explodes

"An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, at around 1pm on Tuesday, causing “significant damage” to the aircraft according to local authorities. However, a video circulating online suggests the jet was completely destroyed as it slammed into the runway.
The pilot was unharmed and was transported to Bassett Army Hospital for evaluation. The crash occurred within the base’s perimeter, and emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, responded quickly. The affected area of the runway has been secured, and an investigation is underway." RT

193 combat clashes on front lines in past day

"Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in 193 combat clashes in the past 24 hours.
In the Kharkiv sector, seven combat clashes with Russian invaders were recorded near Vovchansk and Starytsia.

In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian forces withstood 14 enemy assaults near Kutkivka, Kindrashivka, Dvorichna, Petropavlivka, Nova Kruhliakivka, and Bohuslavka.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled ten enemy attacks near Novoiehorivka, Bohuslavka, Novoliubivka, Makiivka, and in the Serebrianskyi Forest.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 17 enemy attacks near Bilohorivka, Novosilka, and Verkhniokamianske.
In the Kramatorsk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled 11 attempts by the Russians to advance near Predtechyne, Bila Hora, and Chasiv Yar.
In the Toretsk sector, the invaders launched 20 attacks, trying to breach Ukrainian defenses near Krymske, Dyliivka, Dachne, Toretsk, and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 88 attacks near Vodiane Druhe, Myroliubivka, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Sukhyi Yar, Lysivka, Zelene, Vidrodzhennia, Shevchenko, Pokrovsk, Serhiivka, Udachne, Nadiivka, Uspenivka, Novovasylivka, Novooleksandrivka, Oleksiivka, Muravka, Dachne, Bohdanivka, Kurakhove, and Ulakly.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian forces withstood seven Russian assaults near Kostiantynopol and Rozlyv.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Russians launched five attacks on Ukrainian positions near Novosilka.
Ukrainian soldiers repelled one enemy attack in the Dnipro River sector.
In Russia's Kursk region, Ukrainian forces repelled ten enemy assaults while Russian troops carried out more than 300 artillery strikes and 24 airstrikes, dropping 34 guided bombs." Ukrin

Colombia’s President Refutes Rumors He Wrote Anti-Trump Rant While He Was Drunk

"Far-left President of Colombia Gustavo Petro on Monday refuted claims that he was in a state of inebriation when he published a late-night social media message that caused a short-lived diplomatic crisis with the United States on Sunday.
In an extensive rant, Petro accused President Donald Trump of racism for his plan to curtail illegal immigration, but not without asking him to share a glass of whisky to discuss the dangers of fossil fuels. Trump famously abstains from consuming alcohol.

“How much has our press degraded to believe that dignity is drunkenness? The cipayos [pejorative term used in South America to describe someone at the service of “foreign interests”] are the expression of a mental degradation, to let thought be colonized is worse than the physical colonization of a foreign power over the territory,” Petro wrote on Twitter.
Petro’s message is a direct response to Colombian journalist Luis Carlos Vélez, who resides in Miami. On Monday, Vélez publicly asked outgoing Foreign Minister Luis Murillo and his upcoming successor Laura Sarabia, “in the most respectful way,” where and under what conditions Petro was when he started feuding with the United States.
The Colombian president issued the comments after local journalists and politicians questioned Petro’s sobriety at the time he posted the roughly 3:41 a.m. (local time) tweet that sparked the diplomatic crisis with the United States.
Petro, a former member of the Marxist M19 terrorist guerrilla and Colombia’s first leftist president in the nation’s history, is known for single-handedly plunging Colombia into diplomatic problems with historically friendly nations such as Israel.
On Sunday, Petro caused a hours-long diplomatic crisis with the United States after he abruptly refused to accept a U.S. deportation flight of Colombians scheduled to arrive later that day. Petro justified his decision in a late-night post on the grounds that the United States treats “Colombian migrants as criminals.”
Minutes before refusing the arrival of the plane with deportees, Petro, in a now-deleted post, stated that the deportees were to be welcomed “with flags and flowers.” Petro deleted the post and, roughly 30 minutes later, published the message where he refused to allow the plane to land in Colombia.
President Donald Trump responded to Petro’s actions with a barrage of retaliatory measures, including a 25-percent tariff and visa sanctions on Colombian government officials. Petro replied in a long, incoherent Twitter rant.
Petro ultimately caved hours after his rant and “agreed to all” of President Trump’s terms. A Colombian delegation led by outgoing Foreign Minister Luis Murillo is set to travel to Washington, DC, at a later date to resolve the Petro-caused diplomatic crisis." Breitbart

Eastern front sees 11 clashes since day-start – military

"Since the beginning of the day, there have already been 11 clashes with the enemy in the eastern operational zone, the enemy has conducted 360 shelling attacks on Ukraine’s Defense Forces positions." Ukrin

Romania scrambles fighter jets over Russian drone attack on Ukraine, reporting potential UAV crash

"Romania scrambled its fighter jets because of a Russian drone attack on Ukrainian settlements along the Danube River in the night. One of the drones may have crashed on the Romanian coast." Pravada

Russia's Ryazan oil refinery halts operations after drone attack

"Russia's Ryazan oil refinery has suspended operations after a Ukrainian drone attack. Damaged equipment includes a railway loading rack and a hydrotreating unit used to remove impurities from oil products." Pravada

Russian drones set cars ablaze in nighttime attack on Odesa

"The Russian army launched an attack on Odesa using Shahed drones. Debris from downed drones damaged the windows of four apartment buildings and five private homes. In one Odesa residential courtyard, 10 civilian vehicles caught fire, but firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. A grain storage facility was also damaged." NV

Russian Drones Strike Kyiv

"Firefighters work at a site of a Russian drone attack in the Kyiv region, Ukraine." AJ

DRC Cuts Ties with Rwanda as M23 Rebels Threaten Goma

"The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid escalating violence in its eastern regions. The M23 rebel group is advancing on Goma, a city of 2 million people, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

M23, a predominantly Tutsi group that emerged in 2012, has made significant territorial gains near the Rwandan border. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, an allegation Rwanda denies.
The fighting has intensified in recent weeks, with M23 capturing strategic towns around Goma. At least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers have died in clashes. Congolese forces, supported by UN peacekeepers and regional troops, are struggling to repel the rebel advance.....DRC government announced its decision to cut ties with Rwanda. This move underscores the severity of the crisis and the DRC’s conviction of Rwanda’s involvement. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting to address the situation." RioTimes

99 clashes since day-start as Ukraine repels 30 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk axis

"A total of 99 combat engagements between Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Russian invasion troops have been recorded on the frontlines since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian defenders repelled 30 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction.
In the Lyman direction, the enemy is attacking in the areas of Hrekivka, Novoiehorivka, Nadiia, Zelenyi Hai, Makiivka, Yampolivka, and Torske. Eleven clashes have been recorded there since the beginning of the day. Four of them are in progress.

In the Kramatorsk direction, near Chasiv Yar, the invaders advanced toward Ukrainian positions 13 times. They also advanced in the direction of Bila Hora. Eleven clashes out of 14 are ongoing.
In the Toretsk direction, the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops in the Toretsk area eight times. Three clashes are underway.
In the Pokrovsk direction, fierce battles are taking place in the areas of Vodiane Druhe, Myroliubivka, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Zelene, Udachne, Kotlyne, Nadiivka, Uspenivka, Andriivka, Shevchenko, Dachne, and Yantarne. The enemy has made 38 attempts to push the Ukrainian defenders from their positions while the latter have already repelled 30 attacks.
In the Novopavlivka direction, seven clashes are ongoing in the areas of the settlements of Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Novosilka, and Velyka Novosilka. The Ukrainian defenders have repelled four enemy assaults.
In the Siversk, Huliaypole, Orikhiv, and Prydniprovia directions, the enemy ran no active missions.
In Russia’s Kursk region, five clashes were reported. The Russians dropped 24 guided bombs on populated areas and positions of Ukrainian troops, and launched 266 artillery strikes, including four involving multiple rocket launchers." Ukrin

China tells new Sec. of State Marco Rubio to watch himself in thinly-veiled warning

"During his first phone call with newly minted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, longtime Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a veiled warning, behave yourself.
Wang made the comments on Friday in his first phone call with Rubio since being confirmed as President Donald Trump's top diplomat for the next 4 years.
“I hope you will act accordingly,” Wang told Rubio, according to a Foreign Ministry statement, employing a Chinese phrase typically used by a teacher or a boss warning a student or employee to behave and be responsible for their actions." MS

South Korean president indicted

"South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection during his brief imposition of martial law last month, local media reported on Sunday. Yoon, who was impeached on December 14, faces accusations of abusing power and undermining democratic institutions." RT

Russia downs 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and he Black Sea

"Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and two sea drones in the Black Sea." AJ

Zelensky explains ban on talks with Moscow

"Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has explained that he banned negotiations with Russia in order to prevent what he called “separatist” talks outside official government oversight. Russia tried to reach out to Kiev through various intermediaries, including Ukrainian lawmakers, European parliamentarians, US contacts, and even ordinary people, he claimed in comments to journalists." RT

Syria says it stopped weapons smuggling to Hezbollah

"For the second time in two weeks, the Syrian government announced it prevented a shipment of arms to Lebanon.

This is a significant development. It highlights how the new leaders are seeking to interdict smuggling and show the region it is serious. There is likely some implicit messaging in this to Israel as well that the Jewish state can trust the new government in Syria to stop the flow of weapons to its enemies.
The statement from the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) is short. It says, “The General Administration of Border Security, following monitoring and surveillance, has seized a shipment of weapons destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The weapons were being smuggled through the Syrian-Lebanese border via the city of Serghaya in [the] Damascus countryside.” JerusalemPost

Colombia’s Petro Backs Down: Sending Personal Plane to Pick Up Migrants After Trump Announced Sanctions

"Colombian President Gustavo Petro backed down on his declaration that he would not accept deportation flights from the United States. He now says he will send his presidential plane to personally pick up the deported migrants.

The Colombian president’s backpedaling came after President Donald Trump announced he would impose numerous sanctions—including “emergency 25% tariffs”—on Colombia in response to Petro’s reversal of his promise to accept deportation flights.
On Sunday, Petro — who initially said he would accept deportation flights from the U.S. but then refused to receive two flights containing a total of 160 deportable migrants — suggested he changed his mind about accepting the flights because the U.S. treats “Colombian migrants as criminals.” 

Breitbart

Russians drop "smart bomb" on Belgorod Oblast

"A Russian

plane accidentally dropped a "smart bomb" on Belgorod Oblast. It is noted that the
projectile is equipped with a navigation module integrated with steering, several antennas and a turbojet power unit.
Its warhead is the same as a standard FAB-250 bomb, but the UMPB was designed to be "smart" and "glide"." Pravada

70 killed in attack on hospital as Sudan war escalates

"Around 70 people were killed in an attack on a hospital in Sudan's city of El Fasher. The attack targeted the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital, which local officials blame on the rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This incident comes as the civil war in Sudan intensifies, with the RSF suffering apparent losses to Sudanese military forces. On Saturday, army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan appeared near a burning oil refinery north of Khartoum, which his forces claimed to have seized from the RSF.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law.
Meanwhile, neighboring South Sudan has suspended access to social media platforms for at least 30 days due to the circulation of videos showing alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. This decision aims to prevent further violence and unrest within South Sudan." AfricanNews

Russia intercepts 121 drones

 "Moscow said it intercepted 121 Ukrainian drones, including 37 in Russia’s Bryansk, 20 in Ryazan and 17 in the Kursk and Saratov regions of the country." AJ

Velyka Novosilka Falls

"Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its troops had fought their way into the strategically important eastern Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka, after a months-long battle." AJ

Ukrainian forces down 50 Russian drones

"Ukrainian defense forces have shot down 50 drones launched by Russian troops to attack Ukraine, with nine additional UAVs veering off course and failing to reach their targets..... the enemy launched 72 Shahed strike UAVs and simulator drones of various types from multiple directions, including Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk." Ukrin

167 clashes on front lines in past day, most in Pokrovsk sector

"Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in 167 combat clashes, with the fiercest fighting occurring in the Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, and Lyman sectors.
In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled nine enemy attacks near Petropavlivka, Pishchane, Hlushkivka, and Lozova.
In the Lyman sector, the invaders launched 26 attacks, trying to breach Ukrainian defenses near Tverdokhlibove, Novoserhiivka, Shyikivka, Nova Kruhliakivka, Druzheliubivka,

Hrekivka, Pershotravneve, Kopanky, Novoliubivka, Makiivka, Zelena Dolyna, and Torske.
In the Siversk sector, the Russian army targeted Ukrainian positions near Verkhniokamianka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces launched 33 attacks near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Predtechyne, and Bila Hora.
In the Toretsk sector, the invaders carried out ten attacks near Toretsk.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 52 enemy attacks near Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Zelene, Udachne, Novooleksandrivka, Kotlyne, Bohdanivka, Andriivka, Shevchenko, Dachne, Ulakly, Kostiantynopilske, Pokrovsk, Vidrodzhennia, and Uspenivka.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian defenders withstood nine Russian assaults near Novosilka, Novodarivka, Kostiantynopol, and Velyka Novosilka.
In the Dnipro River sector, Ukrainian forces are actively preventing Russian troops from advancing deeper into Ukraine, successfully repelling two assaults.
In Russia's Kursk region, Ukrainian forces repelled 16 enemy assaults while Russian troops carried out 292 artillery strikes and 33 airstrikes, dropping 57 guided bombs." Ukrin

Russian drones strike Kharkiv: Multiple districts hit, fires and casualties reported

"Explosions were heard in Kharkiv as Russian forces attacked the city using Molniya drones. The strikes affected the Holodnohirskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Kyivskyi districts.
Three individuals were injured in the Holodnohirskyi district strike, including two women and one man who received medical assistance on-site." NV

Trump: Zelensky Passed on Deal, 'Decided To Fight' & Is 'No Angel'

"President Donald Trump appeared on Hannity at the end this week and offered a blunt, critical assessment of Zelensky's decision-making in the Russia-Ukraine war.

He strongly suggested that Ukrainian President Zelensky's policies have only prolonged the war. This includes the unspoken truth that prior Biden administration policies have only served to continue the killing, as billions in arms were pumped to Ukraine's military, despite there long being acknowledgement that the Russian military machine was superior, and Russian forces have continued making significant gains.
"Look, Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldn’t have done that because we could have made a deal and it would have been a deal that would have been — it would have been a nothing deal," Trump told Sean Hannity on Thursday. Trump also at one point said Zelensky is "no angel". 

ZeroHedge

US suspends aid to Ukraine

"U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has frozen nearly all new aid grants to Ukraine for 90 days on Friday. The move comes after President Donald Trump ordered a full review of all foreign assistance." RT

159 clashes on front lines, nearly third in Pokrovsk sector

"As many as 159 combat engagements have already been recorded on the front lines.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian soldiers successfully repelled one enemy attack in the Verkhnokamianka area.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian forces countered 32 enemy attempts to advance near the settlements of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Predtechyne and Bila Hora, with seven clashes currently ongoing.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy made nine attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses near Toretsk.

Russian forces carried out 48 assault and offensive operations in the Pokrovsk sector. They were most active near Vodiane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Zelene, Udachne, Novooleksandrivka, Kotlyne, Bohdanivka, Andriivka, Shevchenko, Dachne, Ulakly, Kostiantynopolske and in the direction of Pokrovsk, Vidrodzhennia and Uspenivka. Ukrainian defenders have already repelled 39 attacks in the sector, with nine more clashes still ongoing.
In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian defenders thwarted eight attacks near Novosilka, Novodarivka, Kostiantynopol and Velyka Novosilka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Mala Tokmachka was targeted by enemy guided aerial bombs.
The invaders made two unsuccessful attempts to displace Ukrainian units from their positions in the Dnipro River sector.
Sixteen clashes occurred today in the Kursk sector, two of them still ongoing. The enemy launched 420 artillery attacks, including eight from multiple launch rocket systems, and conducted 25 airstrikes, dropping 42 guided bombs." Ukrin