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Russia Ukraine

Russian Airspace Chaos: Ukrainian Drone Attack Shuts Down All Moscow Airports

The timing of the drone strikes is particularly significant, as they occurred just days before Russia’s planned Victory Day celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. These celebrations were expected to be attended by foreign leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping. The attacks have raised concerns about the security of such high-profile events.

In response to the escalating drone activity, Russia launched its own drone attacks on Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Odesa regions, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. Additionally, in the Kursk region, Ukraine claimed to have hit a Russian drone command center, killing 20 troops.

Ukraine has rejected Russia’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire, instead demanding a 30-day truce. The ongoing drone strikes and retaliatory measures underscore the intensifying nature of the conflict and the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution.

The recent drone attacks on Moscow’s airports highlight the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the growing capabilities of drone warfare. As the conflict continues, both Russia and Ukraine are likely to invest further in counter-drone technologies and strategies to protect their assets and maintain operational security.

Russia

Russian GDP Shrinks in First Quarter of 2025

According to an analytical report published by Raiffeisenbank, Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations. This decline reflects a reversal in the growth trajectory observed in the final months of 2024 and signals emerging vulnerabilities within the Russian economy.

The primary factors contributing to this economic downturn include a noticeable weakening in industrial output across key sectors, alongside a significant decline in global oil prices. As energy exports continue to serve as a critical pillar of the Russian economy, fluctuations in commodity prices—particularly crude oil—exert substantial influence on national economic performance.

Despite this early setback, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation of course maintains a rosy outlook for the remainder of the year. The ministry projects that the economy will grow by 2.5% by the end of 2025 – which would be the expectation for propaganda purposes. However, even the Ministry of Economic Development has qualified this positive growth expectation by revised inflation forecasts: the government has raised its annual inflation estimate from the previously projected 4.5% to 7.6%, reflecting growing price pressures and potential monetary policy challenges.

There is more than a period of uncertainty for the Russian economy, with energy infrastructure being destroyed by Ukrainian drones, sanctions being ever more effectively implemented, a punitive and damaging war in Ukraine, and the evaporating last vestiges of willingness or ability of global economies to pursue trade with Russia, with the exception of other totalitarian states… while Russia continues to bomb civilians in Ukraine, it is its own economy that is cratering.

Russia Ukraine

Zelensky: Russia Violated ‘Ceasefire’ Over 2,000 Times on Easter Day

“Since the beginning of the day, the Russian army has violated Putin’s “ceasefire” more than 2,000 times,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, publishing today’s Russian attacks on Ukraine as of 20:00.

“Report from Commander-in-Chief Sirsky at 20:00. Easter Day… As of this time, since the beginning of the day, the Russian army has violated Putin’s “ceasefire” more than 2,000 times. There have already been 67 Russian attacks on our positions in various directions, most of them in the Pokrovsky direction. A total of 1,355 cases of Russian shelling were recorded, 713 of which involved heavy weapons. The Russians used FPV 673 times…” – Zelensky wrote.

Russia U.S.A

DOGE staffers remove IT security protections; NLRB suffers large data breach

Whistle blower IT Staffer Daniel Berulis identified that DOGE staffers accessed National Labor Relations Board internal data, and then deleted the accounts they used to access that data.

There was a large, and exceptional exfiltration of NLRB data via one of those deleted accounts. DOGE has allowed STARLINK access to US Govt systems; the destination of this exfiltration was not able to be ascertained.

The DOGE staffers disabled core NLRB IT security systems that protected access including multifactor authentication (which requires an additional code, beyond a user name and password to login) and also opened a network interface that faces towards a public Internet; something that would allow exfiltration of data.

An IP address in Russia used one of DOGE accounts within FIFTEEN MINUTES of the account being created – the Russian “hacker” – or perhaps DOGE employee, living in Russia? …then had 20 login attempts before giving up. That person in Russia was using both a legitimate user name, and a valid password.

The NLRB also had a security policy that did not allow out of country logins. DOGE staffers, intentionally, or through ignorance, did not disable that policy.

Was the Russian account user told that multifactor authentication was disabled, and therefor assumed the account could be logged in, and yet DOGE was simply not aware of the further security barrier, which prevented out of country logins?

It would seem likely that the login credentials were provisioned by DOGE to the user of the Russian account, with the attempt of allowing access. For a username and password to have been “guessed” within fifteen minutes of the account being created would be very unlikely, if not impossible.

The whistle-blower Daniel Berulis was threatened with a menacing note, attached to his home address, including a photo of him walking his dog taken by a drone – telling him to desist with his reports. This is the first time that a US Govt whistle-blower has received such a threat.

Full interview and transcript of PBS News’s interview of Daniel Berulis is available here

Russia Ukraine

Nauseda: ‘Slap in the Face to Peace’

Another heinous Russian war crime – this time in the heart of Sumy. This is a slap in the face to all who seek and want peace, – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wrote on the social platform X.

“The civilized world must use force to stop these barbarians who are killing civilians and children,” – the Lithuanian President declared.

According to him, Lithuania once again confirms its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky until a just peace is achieved.

As a reminder, this morning the Russians launched a missile attack on Sumy. According to the latest data, 24 people were killed and more than 80 were injured.

Russia Ukraine

Zelensky Urges Global Pressure

Russian strikes deserve only condemnation, pressure must be exerted on Russia to end the war and ensure the safety of the people, – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on the social platform X.

According to him, at the moment it is known that 31 people have died as a result of a Russian ballistic missile strike in Sumy. Among the dead are two children. More than 84 people have been injured, including 10 children.

“It is important that the world does not remain silent or indifferent. Russian strikes deserve only condemnation. Pressure must be put on Russia to end the war and ensure the safety of its people. Without truly strong pressure, without sufficient support for Ukraine, Russia will continue to drag out this war. For the second month now, Putin has ignored the US proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Unfortunately, Moscow is confident that it can continue its killings with impunity. Action is needed to change this situation,” Zelensky wrote.

France Russia

Macron Blames Russia

This war was started by Russia alone. And today it is clear that Russia alone has chosen to continue it – with a clear disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump, – French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on the social platform X.

“This morning, two Russian missiles fell in the heart of the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing many civilians, including children. Everyone knows: this war was started by Russia alone. And today it is clear that Russia alone has chosen to continue it – with a clear disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump,” Macron wrote.

He said that tough measures are needed to force Russia to cease fire.

“Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly to achieve this goal, together with its partners. I appeal to the victims, the wounded and all of Ukraine, which continues to resist: our solidarity, our respect, our unwavering commitment to you,” Macron wrote.

Russia Ukraine

Linkevičius Slams Russia After Sumy Strike

President Trump has finally extended sanctions against Russia, and today, Russia’s attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy has killed more than 20 people, – former Lithuanian Foreign and Defense Minister and Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden Linas Linkevičius wrote on the social platform X.

“Russia continues to do what it does best – kill and simply mock Trump’s efforts for a ceasefire,” – Linas Linkevičius wrote.

As a reminder, this morning the Russians launched a missile attack on Sumy. According to the latest data, 24 people were killed and more than 80 were injured

Russia UK

Russian Espionage in Britain

A recent report by The Times has revealed that Russian intelligence has deployed sensors and surveillance equipment off the coast of Britain to monitor the movements of the British Navy’s Vanguard-class nuclear-powered submarines. This discovery underscores growing concerns about Russian espionage activities targeting critical military infrastructure in Western nations.

The placement of surveillance devices near British territorial waters suggests a sophisticated intelligence-gathering effort aimed at tracking the operational patterns of the Royal Navy’s nuclear deterrent. The Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the UK’s Trident nuclear missiles, are a key component of Britain’s national defense strategy. Any attempt to monitor or interfere with their movements raises significant security concerns.

Underwater surveillance tactics have become an integral part of modern intelligence operations, with Russia investing heavily in subsea capabilities. The use of sensors to track submarine activity aligns with broader trends in hybrid warfare, where nations employ unconventional methods to gain strategic advantages without direct military confrontation.

In addition to underwater monitoring, reports indicate that even before the war in Ukraine, Russian intelligence had installed surveillance sensors on the luxury yachts of Russian billionaires stationed in Britain. These devices were allegedly used to gather intelligence on British naval movements, highlighting the use of civilian assets for espionage purposes.

This revelation raises concerns about the extent of Russian intelligence penetration into Western commercial and private sectors. The deployment of surveillance equipment on luxury vessels suggests a calculated effort to exploit non-military assets for intelligence gathering, allowing for discreet monitoring without arousing immediate suspicion.

The exposure of Russian surveillance operations in British waters comes at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and NATO. With the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing fears of hybrid warfare, Western nations are on high alert for intelligence activities that could compromise national security.

Britain’s response to these findings will likely involve increased counter-surveillance measures, stricter monitoring of foreign-owned assets, and enhanced naval security protocols. The discovery also reinforces the need for NATO allies to strengthen their collective intelligence-sharing and counter-espionage efforts to mitigate threats from hostile state actors.

General Russia

“Russia Open to Economic Cooperation, Including with Western Companies – Peskov”.

According to the press secretary of the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, Russia is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation with all states.

“Russia remains open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all states,” Peskov noted.

In addition, he said, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is open to those interested in economic cooperation with the Russian Federation.

“It is open precisely to those who are interested in economic relations,” Peskov noted.

According to him, foreign companies from Europe and the United States have previously expressed interest in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, but not publicly.

Russian media, citing the Roscongress Foundation, report that a number of American companies intend to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will be held on June 18-21, and applications have already been accepted.

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