Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, says Ukrainian forces are still holding positions inside Russia’s Kursk region, despite Moscow’s claims that they’ve been pushed out. This contradicts Russian narratives and suggests Ukraine is maintaining pressure across the border—a rare and strategically bold move.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who controls a patch of land—it’s a high-stakes game of perception and morale. If Ukraine is indeed holding ground in Russia, it undermines Putin’s domestic messaging about the war and shows Kyiv’s ability to take the fight beyond its borders. For readers, it’s a reminder that the conflict’s front lines aren’t static, and surprises are still possible.

After years of underinvestment, European nations are now broadly agreed on the need to boost defense spending—especially with Russia’s war in Ukraine and uncertainty around U.S. commitments. But the real challenge isn’t just opening wallets; it’s figuring out how to spend that money effectively. Should they prioritize joint European projects, buy off-the-shelf from global suppliers, or modernize aging systems? And can they coordinate without duplicating efforts or wasting resources? The political will is there, but the path forward is messy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a test of Europe’s ability to act as a cohesive security player. If they fumble this moment, it could mean continued reliance on the U.S. or gaps in their own defenses. But if they get it right, it could reshape Europe’s role in global security. Either way, the decisions made now will have ripple effects for decades.

Russia launched a major missile and drone strike targeting a Ukrainian military airfield and an energy facility that supplies fuel to Ukrainian forces, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. The attack appears aimed at disrupting Kyiv’s military logistics and operations.

Russia’s economy is wobbling dangerously close to a recession, and the government isn’t hiding its unease. A top minister, Maxim Reshetnikov, openly admitted the precarious state of things—a rare moment of candor that hints at deeper struggles behind the scenes.

Editor’s Note: When officials in tightly controlled regimes like Russia start acknowledging economic trouble, it’s a sign things might be worse than they’ve let on. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stability, public trust, and how the Kremlin handles growing pressure. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that sanctions and global isolation are biting harder than Moscow wants to admit.

The CEO of Russia's VTB Bank, Andrey Kostin, is calling the West's plan to use interest earned from frozen Russian assets to fund military aid for Ukraine outright "theft." He’s pushing back hard against the idea, framing it as illegitimate and unjust.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s a high-stakes diplomatic fight. The West sees using these funds as a way to support Ukraine without direct taxpayer costs, but Russia views it as a brazen seizure. The tension over frozen assets is another flashpoint in the broader economic war between Moscow and Western nations, and it could escalate retaliatory measures. For anyone watching global finance or the Ukraine conflict, this move (and Russia’s reaction) signals even frostier relations ahead.